This summer contained its fair share of challenges and triumphs. I found it challenging to dive head first into a position in which I had very little preparation, oversight and instruction. It was a challenge to keep campers satisfied and safe, staff happy, and my superiors pleased all at the same time with each decision I made. It was challenging finding the endurance to make each week as successful as the previous and to develop the respect and admiration of a staff of 14 people who initially each knew more about the camp and its day to day functions than I did as the new director.
Triumphs included the weekly collection of camper evaluations that highlighted and affirmed our efforts in making camp a fun place, getting boats to start when others failed, keeping trips to the emergency room to a minimum, staying under budget, successfully rescuing stranded boaters, passing inspections, and perhaps most importantly, fishing the old mixer out of the lake and making it work again.
Each day this summer I was reminded of what a terrific staff I had working for me. I had to encourage them to slow down and relax more often than I ever needed to prod them to get some work done. Things happened on a daily basis that I had no part of. From day one returning staff knew what to do and they just did it, did it well, and showed the new people how to do it, too. All summer long I heard accolades from guests about how great camp looked and operated from their perspective. Time and again I simply tipped my hat to the amazing crew that made it happen week after week.
The morning of my last full day at camp I walked into my dark, shade-drawn room midmorning. As I untied my shoe I noticed a post-it note on the floor reading, “there’s a chipmunk in cabin five.” Puzzled as to where it came from but without enough focus to care, I ignored it. As I finished untying my shoe and stood upright I saw before me dozens of post-it notes plastering the walls of the room. A few of them highlighted some complaints that occurred during the summer. “There have been some complaints about staff hygiene, we stink” and “too much sand in the cabins” and “there’s a leak in cabin four’s roof.”
Other notes highlighted potential problems that thankfully didn’t occur such as “I lost a child” written by the children’s program director, and “the new mixer fell in the lake” written by the baker. Still others highlighted favorite moments from the summer, reminding me of the cookies I would always sneak from the kitchen, the music played with my friends, and some of the inside jokes shared amongst the staff.
Even more post-its were hidden in the pages of my book, my fiddle case, under my pillows, and nearly everywhere I looked. The staff was quite aware of my dislike of post-it notes. I hated nothing more at camp than coming in my office during a frustrating day and discovering half a dozen new post-it notes stuck all over my desks with more problems that needed attention. While I was in town for the morning they snuck in and decorated. To see the post it notes on my wall, highlighting many of the challenges we had overcome, noting challenges we thankfully avoided, and reminding me of all of the memorable moments was about as good of an end-of-the-summer salute as I could imagine.
After 13 weeks living on an island, you might think a person would be ready for a change of scenery. I thought that would be the case three months ago when I moved to the island. In hindsight, however, I think I would have been quite content staying another 13 weeks.
My summer ended early this year, as I packed up my belongings once again and moved to Des Moines, IA where I am returning to school. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had with different jobs in different locations, however, loading up the car and moving someplace new every three months begins to wear on a person after a while. Camp Olson, Yellowstone National Park, Caledonia, dude ranch, St Paul, Cass Lake, and now Des Moines reads the litany of locations I’ve lived in the past two years. Don’t misinterpret this utterance as dissatisfaction with the things I’ve done, but rather as contemplation about the age old paradox of trying to get out and experience the world but wanting to put down roots at the same time.
“Will you be back again next summer?” was the question I fielded the most each week from campers. I got good at dodging the question and giving a noncommittal answer, leaving open the possibility of giving it one more shot or taking advantage of another new adventure. I’ve been only a few days gone and I already miss the socialization, the isolation, the homemade food, and the simple lifestyle inherent in living on the island. In air conditioned classrooms the daily forecast holds little value to me. My sandals and camp t-shirts don’t blend in with the collared shirts and dress pants. Camp was a nice escape from the realities of oil spills, flooding, a struggling economy, and a fast approaching Election Day.
Despite the nuisance of moving yet again, I imagine packing up the car for one more summer at camp won’t be the last thing on my mind during spring finals.
There ends another chapter. Thanks for sharing it with me and as always, happy trails.
Greg
Showing posts with label Caledonia Argus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caledonia Argus. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 7
Rumors of spectacular northern light displays circled through camp last week. I have yet to notice anything myself, but a nighttime sky watcher will not be disappointed even if the lights don’t make their expected appearance. After living in the Twin Cities for 9 months, the brilliant nighttime sky is even more impressive than I ever noticed back home. Being in the middle of a lake cuts back on localized light pollution. Being mid-August, the meteor showers add an extra spark.
Perhaps my most favorite thing from this summer’s experience is the occasional trip back to the island late into the night. On a few occasions, I’ve made an escape to visit Camp Olson, the YMCA summer camp I worked at previously. Coming back to the island after an evening off requires a dark boat ride on the calm nighttime lake. The full throttle smooth passage into the dark abyss of the lake is a calming way to end a day. Navigating by the stars and a well-placed buoy, the 15-minute trip is 15 minutes of forced, but welcomed, relaxation and reflection.
Skimming across the lake near distant shores I can often see the glow of the bow and stern lights of small fishing boats. Others congregate near the best walleye fishing holes on the lake. They move about like little spaceships; glowing lights in a globe of dark sky and water where it is difficult to distinguish where the land ends and the sky begins.
The health inspector came and went and after my experience with the water inspector, I knew to prepare ahead of time. As we walked through the cabins he tested the water temperature as expected. It was as we approached the shower house that I remembered that I forgot to turn down the settings on that water heater. He pulled out his thermometer but paused before turning on the shower. After successful readings at our first two stops he decided it wasn’t worth his time and put his thermometer away. When all was said and done we only got cited for one infraction, which isn’t bad at all.
We’ve had some pretty talented guests pass through camp this summer. I got a haircut from one in particular in exchange for some computer usage. That may sound like a lame bargain for her, but at camp Internet accessibility is restricted to staff. For some campers, it is quite a challenge to go an entire week without email. New phones with Internet access are circumventing that challenge for more and more people, but those without remain cut off.
Every week we have at least one or two doctors in camp, a handful of nurses, a couple of lawyers, a professor or two, and a bunch of other highly educated professionals. Unitarians have a significantly high percentage of folks who are educated beyond a four-year degree. Those without fancy degrees and titles attached to their name are often highly skilled in a technical trade or art. This job provides excellent network opportunities in a world where it’s not what you know but who you know.
Any fine summer camp requires a tradition of pranks. During staff training earlier in the summer I pulled out a trick learned from another friend. I offered to make dessert for an evening meal. Caramel apples sounded appealing to me. I spent an hour unwrapping and melting caramels and finally drizzling it over a dozen apples. Into the mix, I included a few raw onions. You can see where this is going.
A caramel onion looks the same as a caramel apple. Folks were excited for the dessert as I presented the tray. The first staff member to grab one, my assistant director, Ben, got one of the hidden onions as planned, but as he pulled it off the tray enough caramel came off to reveal the white outer skin. My prank failed, but provided a good laugh, nonetheless.
This past week I had my opportunity to try again. Every Monday morning we have a trash and food run. We take a boatload of trash to the mainland and pick up a boatload of food from a delivery truck. Each week the assigned staff member sleeps with the phone and the truck driver calls camp when he is 45 minutes away so we have enough time to get to shore.
Saturday night I snuck the phone into Ben’s room after he went to sleep. Under the cover of night I loaded the garbage and recycling. I set my alarm for 5:45. When I awoke I went to the camp’s second phone line and placed a call. After four rings Ben answered in a groggy voice. “This is Tom from FSA,” I said while attempting to disguise my voice. “I’m 45 minutes out.” Without missing a beat Ben responded, “Alright we’ll be there.” I snuck back to bed and wondered how long it would be before he’d figure out it was the wrong day. I later learned he spent 5-10 minutes trying to determine if it was actually Sunday or Monday despite his roommate assuring him that he didn’t in fact sleep through an entire day of the week. He even checked the date on the computer and called the food service company to verify in his confused state.
When he was finally reassured that it was a prank, Ben and his roommate decided to get even. From my slumber the phone rang and it was Ben calling from his cell phone saying the boat had died on the way to the marina. Without hesitation I told him I’d be right there and ran down to the waterfront and sped off in his direction. As I skimmed across the lake without any stranded boats in sight I began to fear I had received a taste of my own medicine.
After a careful search, I turned back toward camp. The pontoon with the garbage was still gone. I docked and searched camp for someone who might know more but as I got to my bedroom I found the recycling and garbage bins where my bed and dresser once lived. While I was out in search for the stranded boat he had driven it around to the other side of our peninsula, unloaded the garbage, hauled it down the trail, and taken some of my stuff back to the boat. It was a prank done so well that I couldn’t do anything but laugh at the situation. I walked into that one.
The cool air is a reminder that autumn is already on the way. I’m down to my last week at camp and as director before I shake the responsibilities and get back to something I’m a little more familiar with, school and homework.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Perhaps my most favorite thing from this summer’s experience is the occasional trip back to the island late into the night. On a few occasions, I’ve made an escape to visit Camp Olson, the YMCA summer camp I worked at previously. Coming back to the island after an evening off requires a dark boat ride on the calm nighttime lake. The full throttle smooth passage into the dark abyss of the lake is a calming way to end a day. Navigating by the stars and a well-placed buoy, the 15-minute trip is 15 minutes of forced, but welcomed, relaxation and reflection.
Skimming across the lake near distant shores I can often see the glow of the bow and stern lights of small fishing boats. Others congregate near the best walleye fishing holes on the lake. They move about like little spaceships; glowing lights in a globe of dark sky and water where it is difficult to distinguish where the land ends and the sky begins.
The health inspector came and went and after my experience with the water inspector, I knew to prepare ahead of time. As we walked through the cabins he tested the water temperature as expected. It was as we approached the shower house that I remembered that I forgot to turn down the settings on that water heater. He pulled out his thermometer but paused before turning on the shower. After successful readings at our first two stops he decided it wasn’t worth his time and put his thermometer away. When all was said and done we only got cited for one infraction, which isn’t bad at all.
We’ve had some pretty talented guests pass through camp this summer. I got a haircut from one in particular in exchange for some computer usage. That may sound like a lame bargain for her, but at camp Internet accessibility is restricted to staff. For some campers, it is quite a challenge to go an entire week without email. New phones with Internet access are circumventing that challenge for more and more people, but those without remain cut off.
Every week we have at least one or two doctors in camp, a handful of nurses, a couple of lawyers, a professor or two, and a bunch of other highly educated professionals. Unitarians have a significantly high percentage of folks who are educated beyond a four-year degree. Those without fancy degrees and titles attached to their name are often highly skilled in a technical trade or art. This job provides excellent network opportunities in a world where it’s not what you know but who you know.
Any fine summer camp requires a tradition of pranks. During staff training earlier in the summer I pulled out a trick learned from another friend. I offered to make dessert for an evening meal. Caramel apples sounded appealing to me. I spent an hour unwrapping and melting caramels and finally drizzling it over a dozen apples. Into the mix, I included a few raw onions. You can see where this is going.
A caramel onion looks the same as a caramel apple. Folks were excited for the dessert as I presented the tray. The first staff member to grab one, my assistant director, Ben, got one of the hidden onions as planned, but as he pulled it off the tray enough caramel came off to reveal the white outer skin. My prank failed, but provided a good laugh, nonetheless.
This past week I had my opportunity to try again. Every Monday morning we have a trash and food run. We take a boatload of trash to the mainland and pick up a boatload of food from a delivery truck. Each week the assigned staff member sleeps with the phone and the truck driver calls camp when he is 45 minutes away so we have enough time to get to shore.
Saturday night I snuck the phone into Ben’s room after he went to sleep. Under the cover of night I loaded the garbage and recycling. I set my alarm for 5:45. When I awoke I went to the camp’s second phone line and placed a call. After four rings Ben answered in a groggy voice. “This is Tom from FSA,” I said while attempting to disguise my voice. “I’m 45 minutes out.” Without missing a beat Ben responded, “Alright we’ll be there.” I snuck back to bed and wondered how long it would be before he’d figure out it was the wrong day. I later learned he spent 5-10 minutes trying to determine if it was actually Sunday or Monday despite his roommate assuring him that he didn’t in fact sleep through an entire day of the week. He even checked the date on the computer and called the food service company to verify in his confused state.
When he was finally reassured that it was a prank, Ben and his roommate decided to get even. From my slumber the phone rang and it was Ben calling from his cell phone saying the boat had died on the way to the marina. Without hesitation I told him I’d be right there and ran down to the waterfront and sped off in his direction. As I skimmed across the lake without any stranded boats in sight I began to fear I had received a taste of my own medicine.
After a careful search, I turned back toward camp. The pontoon with the garbage was still gone. I docked and searched camp for someone who might know more but as I got to my bedroom I found the recycling and garbage bins where my bed and dresser once lived. While I was out in search for the stranded boat he had driven it around to the other side of our peninsula, unloaded the garbage, hauled it down the trail, and taken some of my stuff back to the boat. It was a prank done so well that I couldn’t do anything but laugh at the situation. I walked into that one.
The cool air is a reminder that autumn is already on the way. I’m down to my last week at camp and as director before I shake the responsibilities and get back to something I’m a little more familiar with, school and homework.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week6
One might think a job like this might get routine and boring as the summer wears on. Some days start out like they might be just that, but I have yet to see one to completion. Last week I was in my office when a camper entered and explained that while he was sailing, he saw a boat sink, leaving the passengers stranded on the water. It went against my intuition to believe him, but I didn’t waste any time arguing or digging for details. I ran down to the waterfront and the length of the dock, grabbed the binoculars from the lifeguards and zeroed in on five swimmers bobbing in the waves a quarter mile away.
I radioed for another staff member, lowered the pontoon, and within a minute we were speeding their way. As we approached, we lowered the ladder and one by one scooped each dripping body onto the deck of the boat. Around us floated a pair of sandals, a dry box, and a few other items identifying the spot where the ship went down. Exhausted, and still shook up from the wreck, the five were uninjured and thankful for the rescue.
Somehow one of them rescued the captain’s chair and thought it important enough to hang onto. The rest of the boat lay at least 20 feet down, out of sight. They didn’t even know how the wreck occurred. It was an old boat and likely they were traveling too fast for the wave conditions. In its final moments the boat’s nose dipped down and didn’t come back up.
Back on shore they called their parents who were staying at a nearby resort. I have never done it myself, but I imagine it a hard phone call to make to tell your dad you sank his boat. I gave them a ride back to a resort across the lake. We were greeted on the dock by a tearful, but grateful, mother, not sure if she should be relieved or angry. After politely refusing any form of payment, I finally gave in and accepted a few gallons of gas.
There are 50-60 cabins on the island. Most of the cabins sit on National Forest leases and have been in the same family since the settling of the island in the early 1900’s. To celebrate the 90th birthday of an old wooden boat that originally shuttled many of the island’s first residents back and forth, The Roamer, a party was thrown on the south shore. I felt like a fish out of water mingling with the old rich people in a scene better fit for a movie. Pictures, music, cake, a keg, and a lot of smiling people crowded the beach as kids played in the water and others admired the old wooden boats gathered for the occasion.
One of the island’s most notable inhabitants passed away this past winter. John Mosedale was his name. It might not sound familiar, but if you have ever watched the CBS evening news with Dan Rather or Walter Cronkite, you’re familiar with his work. He was one of the primary writers for the show for decades. Each summer his family would come to the island and he would join them for a couple weeks at a time while he could sneak away from New York.
Other island residents come from the Twin Cities, Iowa, and even further reaches of the country as kids and grandkids have dispersed. The camp cook showed me around and introduced me to a dozen folks or so before we returned to the familiarity of our side of the island.
My efforts to clean this place are finally starting to reap dividends. A garbage can full of old copper wire and pipefittings netted camp $143. The true payoff will be the assessment given by the health inspector, due to arrive any day now.
Being the camp director requires a little bit of law enforcement. Each week we host at least a few volunteers, many of which are young and aspiring staff members and under the age of 21. I have made great efforts to make clear the expectations but last week two young gentlemen decided to push the limits. It was during a maintenance project in the volunteer bunkhouse that I opened the fridge to find a twelve pack of beer and a couple of bottles of liquor. I replaced the alcohol with a note that read, “I have it. If you want it back, come see me.”
I didn’t expect any response from the note, and so was taken aback when these two young men approached me later that day. They confessed the alcohol was theirs not out of guilt, but expecting to get it returned to them. This new generation gives “entitlement” a new meaning. I told them they were already lucky I didn’t buy them a bus ticket home.
After being gone from SE Minnesota for three months I’ve started to miss the agriculture that defines home. Up here it’s nothing but pine trees and scrub brush in a “wasteland” of bogs, swamps, and forests. Soon enough, however, I’ll find myself back amidst the corn and the hay. Until then, it’s off to the lake for a cool retreat from this humid air.
Happy Trails,
Greg
I radioed for another staff member, lowered the pontoon, and within a minute we were speeding their way. As we approached, we lowered the ladder and one by one scooped each dripping body onto the deck of the boat. Around us floated a pair of sandals, a dry box, and a few other items identifying the spot where the ship went down. Exhausted, and still shook up from the wreck, the five were uninjured and thankful for the rescue.
Somehow one of them rescued the captain’s chair and thought it important enough to hang onto. The rest of the boat lay at least 20 feet down, out of sight. They didn’t even know how the wreck occurred. It was an old boat and likely they were traveling too fast for the wave conditions. In its final moments the boat’s nose dipped down and didn’t come back up.
Back on shore they called their parents who were staying at a nearby resort. I have never done it myself, but I imagine it a hard phone call to make to tell your dad you sank his boat. I gave them a ride back to a resort across the lake. We were greeted on the dock by a tearful, but grateful, mother, not sure if she should be relieved or angry. After politely refusing any form of payment, I finally gave in and accepted a few gallons of gas.
There are 50-60 cabins on the island. Most of the cabins sit on National Forest leases and have been in the same family since the settling of the island in the early 1900’s. To celebrate the 90th birthday of an old wooden boat that originally shuttled many of the island’s first residents back and forth, The Roamer, a party was thrown on the south shore. I felt like a fish out of water mingling with the old rich people in a scene better fit for a movie. Pictures, music, cake, a keg, and a lot of smiling people crowded the beach as kids played in the water and others admired the old wooden boats gathered for the occasion.
One of the island’s most notable inhabitants passed away this past winter. John Mosedale was his name. It might not sound familiar, but if you have ever watched the CBS evening news with Dan Rather or Walter Cronkite, you’re familiar with his work. He was one of the primary writers for the show for decades. Each summer his family would come to the island and he would join them for a couple weeks at a time while he could sneak away from New York.
Other island residents come from the Twin Cities, Iowa, and even further reaches of the country as kids and grandkids have dispersed. The camp cook showed me around and introduced me to a dozen folks or so before we returned to the familiarity of our side of the island.
My efforts to clean this place are finally starting to reap dividends. A garbage can full of old copper wire and pipefittings netted camp $143. The true payoff will be the assessment given by the health inspector, due to arrive any day now.
Being the camp director requires a little bit of law enforcement. Each week we host at least a few volunteers, many of which are young and aspiring staff members and under the age of 21. I have made great efforts to make clear the expectations but last week two young gentlemen decided to push the limits. It was during a maintenance project in the volunteer bunkhouse that I opened the fridge to find a twelve pack of beer and a couple of bottles of liquor. I replaced the alcohol with a note that read, “I have it. If you want it back, come see me.”
I didn’t expect any response from the note, and so was taken aback when these two young men approached me later that day. They confessed the alcohol was theirs not out of guilt, but expecting to get it returned to them. This new generation gives “entitlement” a new meaning. I told them they were already lucky I didn’t buy them a bus ticket home.
After being gone from SE Minnesota for three months I’ve started to miss the agriculture that defines home. Up here it’s nothing but pine trees and scrub brush in a “wasteland” of bogs, swamps, and forests. Soon enough, however, I’ll find myself back amidst the corn and the hay. Until then, it’s off to the lake for a cool retreat from this humid air.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 5
The rains keep coming at regular intervals here on the island. I find it challenging to make it through a day without getting some item of clothing soaked from either the skies above or the lake itself.
This past week I finally got myself on a sailboat for the first time of the summer. Camp owns a few boats considered trimarans. They have a cockpit in which the passenger sits with a pontoon extended on each side. A simple boat, they are supposedly impossible to tip over. They make sailing easy for even an amateur like myself. Growing up in the land of 10,000 lakes, but about as far away from any lakes that a person can be, I viewed sailing as a leisurely activity of those better off than I. Lately, however, I have grown to greatly respect the sport.
Moving fast on a mechanized machine burning gas can be a thrill, but slicing through the water harnessing the primitive technology of the wind adds a new dimension of excitement and accomplishment. Furthermore, sailing requires an added element of knowledge and skill-leaving room for improvement as one becomes better acquainted with the sport.
Recently a camper found a bald eagle nest on the ground near camp. Scattered nearby, were two eaglets. After a couple of days of observation, he called the raptor center at the U of M and sent pictures of one of the eaglets with an injured wing. With no trained raptor handler near camp, we were asked to “box up the bird” and send it to the twin cities in the next vehicle heading south. With some cardboard and duct tape we construed a container big enough for the giant eaglet. Wearing welding gloves he scooped it up without much resistance. Even a young eaglet is a big bird and quite impressive to study from so close, however, it didn’t quite top the grizzly bear we captured at the ranch last summer.
Traditions run deep here at camp. Perhaps the most important tradition is the greeting of campers on the dock when they arrive, and the departing chorus of “Happy Trails” as a sendoff one week later. After a fun and exhausting week and the hugs and handshakes goodbye we line up at the end of the dock in a kick-line and sing the aforementioned song in about as many different keys as there are people.
Afterwards, a staff member or two are traditionally thrown in the lake, much to the enjoyment of the departing guests. For six week’s I’ve avoided the plummet. I hypothesize my staff were too scared of the consequences pushing their boss in the water might inspire. This week their fear was overridden, however, as two of them ganged up against me and threw me in the drink.
Camp relies heavily on volunteer labor in an effort to keep fees as low as possible. For years a do-it-yourself culture has built up a roster of campers eager to fix the leaky faucet, the broken pipe, or an old water heater. One might consider it fortunate that so much help abounds; however, it comes with its drawbacks. A walk around camp and a quick study of some of these do-it-yourself projects makes a person shake their head in frustration and bewilderment. Pipes beneath cabins go from plastic PVC to steel pipe to rubber fittings and back to PVC. Scrap pieces of sheet rock where puzzled together in one instance, to sheet rock a wall in our staff housing. Behind some light switches in camp can be found a rat’s nest of electrical wires. A careful look at some of the carpentry will reveal some boards cut too short, others left too wide.
We had a local well driller stop by the island to examine our backup well. He conveniently flew in on his personal floatplane and beached it on the island. The plane is one he assembled from a kit years ago, and is a small two-seater. Up here floatplanes aren’t that uncommon. With most towns located on the shores of a lake, they provide a convenient and fun way to travel.
After studying our well we learned of a corroded pipe that is gradually filling the well with sand. This piece of bad news explained why the pump burnt up earlier in the week as I tried to flush it out after a year of disuse. Luckily, the bad well is a problem I don’t have to deal with this summer. Once the lake freezes to a safe thickness they well company will drive one of their rigs to the island and drop a new well 135 feet.
A shoreline restoration specialist from the Minnesota DNR also paid us a visit. With a few hundred feet of shoreline under our management, I invited her to come and assess what we were doing right and how we could improve our stewardship of the land. We were happy to learn that they variety and quantity of natives found on our property is almost unprecedented for inhabited shoreline. Arial photos of many of the lakes up here with significant development around their shores makes obvious the dangers of having a nicely mown lawn up to the water’s edge. Erosion and sedimentation are big problems around some lakes. Reeds are removed from coveted boating and swimming areas and with them go the buffer of protection from erosion causing waves.
A shoreline bill currently sits on Governor Pawlenty’s desk. The bill would change the type of shoreline development that is allowed and provide better protection for our lakes, wildlife, and water supplies. Unfortunately, it sits in the veto pile. In recent years the science community has highlighted these problems and finally attracted the attention of many shoreline owners who have chosen to take corrective action. Many, however, retain old habits and continue to turn native lakeshore to mimic the aesthetic of their suburban yards.
In our case the less we do to our shoreline the better off it is. Now that’s the kind of advice a busy camp director likes to hear.
Happy Trails
Greg
This past week I finally got myself on a sailboat for the first time of the summer. Camp owns a few boats considered trimarans. They have a cockpit in which the passenger sits with a pontoon extended on each side. A simple boat, they are supposedly impossible to tip over. They make sailing easy for even an amateur like myself. Growing up in the land of 10,000 lakes, but about as far away from any lakes that a person can be, I viewed sailing as a leisurely activity of those better off than I. Lately, however, I have grown to greatly respect the sport.
Moving fast on a mechanized machine burning gas can be a thrill, but slicing through the water harnessing the primitive technology of the wind adds a new dimension of excitement and accomplishment. Furthermore, sailing requires an added element of knowledge and skill-leaving room for improvement as one becomes better acquainted with the sport.
Recently a camper found a bald eagle nest on the ground near camp. Scattered nearby, were two eaglets. After a couple of days of observation, he called the raptor center at the U of M and sent pictures of one of the eaglets with an injured wing. With no trained raptor handler near camp, we were asked to “box up the bird” and send it to the twin cities in the next vehicle heading south. With some cardboard and duct tape we construed a container big enough for the giant eaglet. Wearing welding gloves he scooped it up without much resistance. Even a young eaglet is a big bird and quite impressive to study from so close, however, it didn’t quite top the grizzly bear we captured at the ranch last summer.
Traditions run deep here at camp. Perhaps the most important tradition is the greeting of campers on the dock when they arrive, and the departing chorus of “Happy Trails” as a sendoff one week later. After a fun and exhausting week and the hugs and handshakes goodbye we line up at the end of the dock in a kick-line and sing the aforementioned song in about as many different keys as there are people.
Afterwards, a staff member or two are traditionally thrown in the lake, much to the enjoyment of the departing guests. For six week’s I’ve avoided the plummet. I hypothesize my staff were too scared of the consequences pushing their boss in the water might inspire. This week their fear was overridden, however, as two of them ganged up against me and threw me in the drink.
Camp relies heavily on volunteer labor in an effort to keep fees as low as possible. For years a do-it-yourself culture has built up a roster of campers eager to fix the leaky faucet, the broken pipe, or an old water heater. One might consider it fortunate that so much help abounds; however, it comes with its drawbacks. A walk around camp and a quick study of some of these do-it-yourself projects makes a person shake their head in frustration and bewilderment. Pipes beneath cabins go from plastic PVC to steel pipe to rubber fittings and back to PVC. Scrap pieces of sheet rock where puzzled together in one instance, to sheet rock a wall in our staff housing. Behind some light switches in camp can be found a rat’s nest of electrical wires. A careful look at some of the carpentry will reveal some boards cut too short, others left too wide.
We had a local well driller stop by the island to examine our backup well. He conveniently flew in on his personal floatplane and beached it on the island. The plane is one he assembled from a kit years ago, and is a small two-seater. Up here floatplanes aren’t that uncommon. With most towns located on the shores of a lake, they provide a convenient and fun way to travel.
After studying our well we learned of a corroded pipe that is gradually filling the well with sand. This piece of bad news explained why the pump burnt up earlier in the week as I tried to flush it out after a year of disuse. Luckily, the bad well is a problem I don’t have to deal with this summer. Once the lake freezes to a safe thickness they well company will drive one of their rigs to the island and drop a new well 135 feet.
A shoreline restoration specialist from the Minnesota DNR also paid us a visit. With a few hundred feet of shoreline under our management, I invited her to come and assess what we were doing right and how we could improve our stewardship of the land. We were happy to learn that they variety and quantity of natives found on our property is almost unprecedented for inhabited shoreline. Arial photos of many of the lakes up here with significant development around their shores makes obvious the dangers of having a nicely mown lawn up to the water’s edge. Erosion and sedimentation are big problems around some lakes. Reeds are removed from coveted boating and swimming areas and with them go the buffer of protection from erosion causing waves.
A shoreline bill currently sits on Governor Pawlenty’s desk. The bill would change the type of shoreline development that is allowed and provide better protection for our lakes, wildlife, and water supplies. Unfortunately, it sits in the veto pile. In recent years the science community has highlighted these problems and finally attracted the attention of many shoreline owners who have chosen to take corrective action. Many, however, retain old habits and continue to turn native lakeshore to mimic the aesthetic of their suburban yards.
In our case the less we do to our shoreline the better off it is. Now that’s the kind of advice a busy camp director likes to hear.
Happy Trails
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 4
Amateur firework displays from around the perimeter of Cass Lake saluted the 4th of July in this neck of the woods. Boat traffic increased from the occasional fisherman to speedboats towing tubes and water skiers and the frequent party barge slowly motoring along, in no hurry to get anywhere. At camp it was just another day. My budget doesn’t include much room for fireworks, snow cone machines, or fancy carnival rides.
I gave the rest of the staff the evening off and they loaded up the boat and headed to Bemidji. I took a hike across the island to a quiet place called sunset rock and watched nearby fireworks as sunset turned to dusk and eventually to nightfall. On an island this small it’s difficult to find those moments of solitude. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I’m on the island, I’m working. Even my bedroom is no escape. Occasionally I try to catch a short catnap after lunch but eight times out of ten the phone on my nightstand rings just as I’m kicking off my shoes. Then it’s back to the office to check on an upcoming reservation, or any of the other requests that might result.
Myself and a few of my staff made our debut as the “Star Island String Band” the other night at the local bar’s open mic night. Everybody in town must have been there, including a couple of local bands playing obnoxiously loud rock/pop music. In our flannel shirts, shaggy hair, scruffy beards, and with our acoustic instruments in hand we stood in stark contrast to the regulars lined up at the bar and punk rockers on stage. A bunch of hippies from the island was undoubtedly the image we conveyed.
We pulled together a half hour set of folk and old time music that captured the attention of the audience for long enough to get a pretty enthusiastic round of applause following each song. At one point, even the guys playing poker around the pool table stopped what they were doing and gave us their undivided attention. Banjo, guitar, fiddle, bass and washboard accompanied the lyrics about hard luck, aimless travels, and being friends with the devil. The bar owner, Larry, was beaming the entire time, if not from the music, probably the money rolling in from the patrons. I justified the whole event and our absence from camp as “building community relations” with the locals. I wish all of my responsibilities as director were that easy and fun to execute.
We get quite a few colorful characters coming through camp. If you don’t know much about the Unitarian crowd, Garrison Keillor likes to poke fun at them and can provide some humorous insight into their quirks. It’s a pretty loosely based religion, focused around seven principles relating to respect and dignity of every human person and the democratic process. One of my biggest mentors for this new job, Mr. Blackstone, told me on the day we met, “you get four Unitarians in a room and you get 16 different opinions.” From my observations, he hit the nail right on the head.
Decisions come slow around here, as everyone takes careful efforts to make sure all angles are examined closely before resting on any one conclusion. I think part of that culture of indecisiveness is what makes an outsider like myself a good candidate for the main leadership position.
I’ve noticed that same indecisiveness leads the accumulation of crap. The island is full of it. Nobody throws anything away. I can understand what it means to be thrifty and pack staff away for a rainy day, but I don’t believe it efficient to keep coils of cotton wrapped electrical wire from 1920 lying around. Or old plastic table clothes. I found a whole box of them stashed away under another pile of junk. Vacuum cleaners, broken lamps, leaky gas cans, rusty pipes, burnt out light bulbs, torn screen doors, ancient computer monitors, and the list goes on. I even had to dispose of an old sailboat with an irreparable crack in the hull. I’ve hauled nearly half a dozen pontoon loads of junk off the island and I still feel like I’m just getting started.
We have enough scrap wood to rebuild Noah’s ark. I began restocking our firewood piles with odd ends of 2x4’s. We have so many scraps I figure it’s cheaper to burn that stuff and buy new boards than to spend the fuel on running the chainsaw and gathering real firewood.
The purging of junk also involves a lot of cleaning up and organizing the stuff that is deemed salvageable. I have come to the conclusion this camp has just about any tool a person could need. You simply have to know where to find it, how to use it, and how to fix it should the tool itself be broken. We have a weed trimmer, but without the appropriate pieces on the end to hold the string in. Our power washer is out of commission because someone left water in the nozzle over the winter and the connector fitting cracked.
I guess if I always knew where to find the fully functional tool on my first attempt maintenance work around here would be too easy, leaving me too much time to accomplish those “few” other tasks I must do as director. The challenges are many up here, but the rewards of success are even more.
Happy Trails,
Greg
I gave the rest of the staff the evening off and they loaded up the boat and headed to Bemidji. I took a hike across the island to a quiet place called sunset rock and watched nearby fireworks as sunset turned to dusk and eventually to nightfall. On an island this small it’s difficult to find those moments of solitude. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I’m on the island, I’m working. Even my bedroom is no escape. Occasionally I try to catch a short catnap after lunch but eight times out of ten the phone on my nightstand rings just as I’m kicking off my shoes. Then it’s back to the office to check on an upcoming reservation, or any of the other requests that might result.
Myself and a few of my staff made our debut as the “Star Island String Band” the other night at the local bar’s open mic night. Everybody in town must have been there, including a couple of local bands playing obnoxiously loud rock/pop music. In our flannel shirts, shaggy hair, scruffy beards, and with our acoustic instruments in hand we stood in stark contrast to the regulars lined up at the bar and punk rockers on stage. A bunch of hippies from the island was undoubtedly the image we conveyed.
We pulled together a half hour set of folk and old time music that captured the attention of the audience for long enough to get a pretty enthusiastic round of applause following each song. At one point, even the guys playing poker around the pool table stopped what they were doing and gave us their undivided attention. Banjo, guitar, fiddle, bass and washboard accompanied the lyrics about hard luck, aimless travels, and being friends with the devil. The bar owner, Larry, was beaming the entire time, if not from the music, probably the money rolling in from the patrons. I justified the whole event and our absence from camp as “building community relations” with the locals. I wish all of my responsibilities as director were that easy and fun to execute.
We get quite a few colorful characters coming through camp. If you don’t know much about the Unitarian crowd, Garrison Keillor likes to poke fun at them and can provide some humorous insight into their quirks. It’s a pretty loosely based religion, focused around seven principles relating to respect and dignity of every human person and the democratic process. One of my biggest mentors for this new job, Mr. Blackstone, told me on the day we met, “you get four Unitarians in a room and you get 16 different opinions.” From my observations, he hit the nail right on the head.
Decisions come slow around here, as everyone takes careful efforts to make sure all angles are examined closely before resting on any one conclusion. I think part of that culture of indecisiveness is what makes an outsider like myself a good candidate for the main leadership position.
I’ve noticed that same indecisiveness leads the accumulation of crap. The island is full of it. Nobody throws anything away. I can understand what it means to be thrifty and pack staff away for a rainy day, but I don’t believe it efficient to keep coils of cotton wrapped electrical wire from 1920 lying around. Or old plastic table clothes. I found a whole box of them stashed away under another pile of junk. Vacuum cleaners, broken lamps, leaky gas cans, rusty pipes, burnt out light bulbs, torn screen doors, ancient computer monitors, and the list goes on. I even had to dispose of an old sailboat with an irreparable crack in the hull. I’ve hauled nearly half a dozen pontoon loads of junk off the island and I still feel like I’m just getting started.
We have enough scrap wood to rebuild Noah’s ark. I began restocking our firewood piles with odd ends of 2x4’s. We have so many scraps I figure it’s cheaper to burn that stuff and buy new boards than to spend the fuel on running the chainsaw and gathering real firewood.
The purging of junk also involves a lot of cleaning up and organizing the stuff that is deemed salvageable. I have come to the conclusion this camp has just about any tool a person could need. You simply have to know where to find it, how to use it, and how to fix it should the tool itself be broken. We have a weed trimmer, but without the appropriate pieces on the end to hold the string in. Our power washer is out of commission because someone left water in the nozzle over the winter and the connector fitting cracked.
I guess if I always knew where to find the fully functional tool on my first attempt maintenance work around here would be too easy, leaving me too much time to accomplish those “few” other tasks I must do as director. The challenges are many up here, but the rewards of success are even more.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 3
As the summer begins to settle in, my daily routine is quickly becoming established. Each morning begins with a sleepy walk 20 yards to the director’s office, followed by a quick email and weather check (if the internet is functional). Afterwards it’s to the breakfast line. The weekly rotation covers just about every breakfast imaginable, beginning with oatmeal Sundays, poached eggs on Monday, pancakes on Tuesday, scrambled eggs on Wednesday, French toast on Thursday, Omelets on Friday, and finally baked fresh cinnamon roles on Saturday. Around here oatmeal Sunday’s traditionally includes a scoop of ice cream and some chocolate chips mixed in. On Tuesday I get the “director’s special,” banana pancakes made specifically for me.
Before I began the job, I heard two pieces of advice repeated by numerous individuals. First, I was to stay out of the way of the cook of 15 years, Mary Ellen. She knew what she was doing and all I had to do was get the food and propane to the island. She would take it from there. Secondly, I had to make Darryl, the marina owner, my best friend. I’ve been working hard at both goals and eagerly jump at any opportunity to win their favor.
The other day I received word of one of the dish washing sinks not draining properly. With the aid of my assistant director we twisted a snake down the drain as far as possible. With no success we opened up the grease trap. Anyone who has ever worked in a commercial kitchen will appreciate the dread of such a task. It isn’t a job for those with a weak stomach. After my assistant director scooped out the slimy layer of junk off the top into a 5-gallon bucket I shop vacuumed the rest of the trap dry. In an hour we had the sink functioning once again and more importantly, a happy Mary Ellen.
Later in the week the switch for the walk in freezer light broke. She informed me she was about to call the repairman to get it fixed. Unwilling to pay a repairman for an extra boat ride to the island for such a simple problem, I bought a new switch at the hardware store and decided to do it myself. I flipped off the appropriate circuit breaker and unscrewed all of the wires, making a mental picture of how to reassemble the new one in a functional fashion. My memory failed me as evident by the shower of sparks that flew from the switch after I reconnected the circuit. On the second try I was met with success and an ice-cream treat for a job well done.
One perk of living on an island includes the limited access outsiders have to our property, most important being the health and water inspectors. If they want to check out our facilities they first must call for a boat ride, leaving us plenty of time to prepare. I got my first phone call this past week from the water inspector. He came by with his cooler full of sterilized water bottles. I took him to the wellhead, enclosed by a small shack. I popped open the door as I had been taught to do. Inside was a gas can, both empty and full oil containers, a gallon of bleach, and an assortment of other plastic bottles of unlabeled substances. His head shook with disappointment as he scribbled some notes as he politely recommended we remove those toxins from such proximity to our water supply.
Next we traveled toward the lodge so he could survey our water softener system. I opened the door to the water softener closet only to reveal a 5-gallon bucket of the foulest smelling, vomit-like substance I have ever seen. “What the heck is that,” proclaimed the inspector as he turned away in disgust. It was hard to play dumb when I knew exactly what it was. I quickly realized my assistant found the closest out-of-the-way place to stash the remains from the grease trap. Embarrassed, I removed the bucket and diverted the conversation to the topic of water softening salts.
Not all of my time has been spent on the island. On a couple of occasions I’ve found a small window of opportunity to escape and enjoy some free time. I’ve begun to make friends with one of the local bar owners, Larry. He runs a simple place on the south side of town serving bar food and your choice of three different brews on tap. It’s the unfortunate truth but living on a Native American Reservation Larry knows when payday comes and notices a steady drop in business as the money runs out. Likewise, one of the most prominent businessmen in the area owns the local liquor store.
Alcoholism is at epidemic proportions in some spots up here. Perhaps as a result, crime is also a problem. One dare not leave any valuables in their car and expect to see them again. I’ve been told windows will be broken just to take a survey of what might be in the car.
A person like myself never really notices the wealth in a modest town like Caledonia until you drive through a place like Cass Lake. Most seasonal cabins on the lake are nicer than the year round houses that comprise the town. Up here finishing high school is quite a commendable achievement while in places such as Caledonia, it’s safely assumed to be a minimum standard of achievement. These differences are often expected to exist between other geographic regions, but many don’t recognize the struggles within our own state border.
Larry invited a contingent from our staff to come and play a bar gig next week. On staff we have two banjo players, two guitarist, and two fiddles. What we lack is the time to devote toward practice. As the end of each day roles around, sleep is often the forefront of our mind. Luckily expectations will be low as we take the stage. Larry’s bar isn’t exactly the hotspot for big entertainment in the area. In the meantime, I had better go practice.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Before I began the job, I heard two pieces of advice repeated by numerous individuals. First, I was to stay out of the way of the cook of 15 years, Mary Ellen. She knew what she was doing and all I had to do was get the food and propane to the island. She would take it from there. Secondly, I had to make Darryl, the marina owner, my best friend. I’ve been working hard at both goals and eagerly jump at any opportunity to win their favor.
The other day I received word of one of the dish washing sinks not draining properly. With the aid of my assistant director we twisted a snake down the drain as far as possible. With no success we opened up the grease trap. Anyone who has ever worked in a commercial kitchen will appreciate the dread of such a task. It isn’t a job for those with a weak stomach. After my assistant director scooped out the slimy layer of junk off the top into a 5-gallon bucket I shop vacuumed the rest of the trap dry. In an hour we had the sink functioning once again and more importantly, a happy Mary Ellen.
Later in the week the switch for the walk in freezer light broke. She informed me she was about to call the repairman to get it fixed. Unwilling to pay a repairman for an extra boat ride to the island for such a simple problem, I bought a new switch at the hardware store and decided to do it myself. I flipped off the appropriate circuit breaker and unscrewed all of the wires, making a mental picture of how to reassemble the new one in a functional fashion. My memory failed me as evident by the shower of sparks that flew from the switch after I reconnected the circuit. On the second try I was met with success and an ice-cream treat for a job well done.
One perk of living on an island includes the limited access outsiders have to our property, most important being the health and water inspectors. If they want to check out our facilities they first must call for a boat ride, leaving us plenty of time to prepare. I got my first phone call this past week from the water inspector. He came by with his cooler full of sterilized water bottles. I took him to the wellhead, enclosed by a small shack. I popped open the door as I had been taught to do. Inside was a gas can, both empty and full oil containers, a gallon of bleach, and an assortment of other plastic bottles of unlabeled substances. His head shook with disappointment as he scribbled some notes as he politely recommended we remove those toxins from such proximity to our water supply.
Next we traveled toward the lodge so he could survey our water softener system. I opened the door to the water softener closet only to reveal a 5-gallon bucket of the foulest smelling, vomit-like substance I have ever seen. “What the heck is that,” proclaimed the inspector as he turned away in disgust. It was hard to play dumb when I knew exactly what it was. I quickly realized my assistant found the closest out-of-the-way place to stash the remains from the grease trap. Embarrassed, I removed the bucket and diverted the conversation to the topic of water softening salts.
Not all of my time has been spent on the island. On a couple of occasions I’ve found a small window of opportunity to escape and enjoy some free time. I’ve begun to make friends with one of the local bar owners, Larry. He runs a simple place on the south side of town serving bar food and your choice of three different brews on tap. It’s the unfortunate truth but living on a Native American Reservation Larry knows when payday comes and notices a steady drop in business as the money runs out. Likewise, one of the most prominent businessmen in the area owns the local liquor store.
Alcoholism is at epidemic proportions in some spots up here. Perhaps as a result, crime is also a problem. One dare not leave any valuables in their car and expect to see them again. I’ve been told windows will be broken just to take a survey of what might be in the car.
A person like myself never really notices the wealth in a modest town like Caledonia until you drive through a place like Cass Lake. Most seasonal cabins on the lake are nicer than the year round houses that comprise the town. Up here finishing high school is quite a commendable achievement while in places such as Caledonia, it’s safely assumed to be a minimum standard of achievement. These differences are often expected to exist between other geographic regions, but many don’t recognize the struggles within our own state border.
Larry invited a contingent from our staff to come and play a bar gig next week. On staff we have two banjo players, two guitarist, and two fiddles. What we lack is the time to devote toward practice. As the end of each day roles around, sleep is often the forefront of our mind. Luckily expectations will be low as we take the stage. Larry’s bar isn’t exactly the hotspot for big entertainment in the area. In the meantime, I had better go practice.
Happy Trails,
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 2
Already my folly of dunking the kitchen mixer in the marina has become a part of camp lore. I take it as a compliment; that people are able to laugh off my silly mistake rather than hold a grudge. When we finally plugged the mixer in to see how it fared the near drowning my stomach tied in knots when it remained motionless. A handy camper got out the tool belt and proceeded to drain the water out of the casing and dry it out using a couple of fans. After a little TLC it was back in service.
As we prepared the grounds for the first week of campers, one of my staffers set about mowing the lawns. After an hour or so he found me and reported that the mower was no longer starting like it used to. The engine was dead. With nobody else to pass the buck to, I went to take a look myself, remembering the dozens of similar scenarios I found myself in throughout middle school and high school, unable to start a stubborn small engine. I fiddled with the choke and in three pulls had it roaring again. It felt good to be on the starting side of a motor after years of similar frustration.
As I’ve been told will happen multiple times throughout the summer, I got a phone call from a staff member in the middle of the lake with a small fishing boat stranded by a 25 horse engine that wouldn’t start. I fired up the engine of the brand new Boston Whaler, our rescue boat and by far the nicest piece of equipment this camp owns, and set out in search of the stranded vessel. I caught up to them drifting a hundred yards from shore and towed them back to our dock.
My water front director, befuddled at the motionless hunk of aluminum, said it best when he commented, “ the only thing worse than a boat that won’t start is an unreliable one.” Before making the call to tow it to the marina for a real mechanic to work on it, I had to give it a try myself.
Time and time again the engine would fire and then immediately sputter to a stop. I switched gas tanks. Same thing happened. I pumped gas through the fuel line. Still didn’t start. In a last ditch effort after ten minutes of fruitless attempts I disconnected the fuel line from the engine and drained some fuel from the end of the line. With the next turn of the key the motor fired and roared into a fast idle as my water front director looked on from shore amazed. He claims he did the same things with no success. Two for two starting engines others had given up on!
Living on an island, boats are our most important tools. They shuttle people back and forth, deliver our food and equipment, and in an emergency, serve as our only means of evacuation. In addition to our small fishing boat and Boston Whaler, we have two pontoons and another small boat built in the 50’s, still as solid as the day it was set in the lake. Donated to camp after sitting for decades in storage, it is easily our fastest boat with its 60-horse engine. A trip across the lake on a windy day, however, can feel like riding a bull as it flies from one wave crest to the next.
The smaller pontoon of the two has a series of leaks in the pontoon that the careful spark of a welder time and time again failed to fully plug. A trip across the lake has become a game of beat the clock. Just this past week I loaded it down with 1600 pounds of fresh topsoil for our rhubarb garden and some other cargo totaling one ton. With the top of the pontoons only inches out of the water, it took twice as long but we made it to the dock before the bottom of the lake.
The bigger pontoon is our workhorse. On any given week it carries two tons of food, a couple dozen people, and any lumber and equipment needed on the island. With a 115-horse engine, it also serves as our emergency boat.
This past week it was used for that purpose for the first time under my watch. A young girl, complaining of stomach pains, was taken to the hospital in Bemidji after a choppy ride across the wind swept lake. As suspected, she was immediately diagnosed with appendicitis. As the camp director it is comforting to see things go right in a bad situation and I remain hopeful that when needed most, the boats will always meet our needs.
Off the water I’ve embarked on a campaign to eradicate mice from my living quarters. The first day I moved in and noticed a wolf spider occupying my bed. I don’t consider myself to have arachnophobia, but wolf spiders are big, ugly, and have the appearance of something deadly. I took care of the spider problem before I turned out the light for the evening, only to hear the scurrying of tiny feet across the floor.
Out of laziness I chose to ignore the sounds and continued to do so for a couple of weeks. One night, however, I could ignore it no longer. One of the darn things jumped into bed with me and ran across my back. It didn’t take me long to figure out what was going on as I awoke and turned on the light only to see its two beady eyes starring at me from the headboard of my bed, frozen in fear. I started swinging with my pillow, out of anger from the late night disturbance rather than fear of the pesky rodent.
It turns out the mouse problem was worse than I thought. I dug out four traps, baited them with raisins, and strategically placed them around the room. Five days later I’ve captured twice as many mice. I never imagined I might say this of my summer job but emptying the traps has become a part of my morning routine, bookended by brushing my teeth and checking the weather.
Happy Trails
Greg
As we prepared the grounds for the first week of campers, one of my staffers set about mowing the lawns. After an hour or so he found me and reported that the mower was no longer starting like it used to. The engine was dead. With nobody else to pass the buck to, I went to take a look myself, remembering the dozens of similar scenarios I found myself in throughout middle school and high school, unable to start a stubborn small engine. I fiddled with the choke and in three pulls had it roaring again. It felt good to be on the starting side of a motor after years of similar frustration.
As I’ve been told will happen multiple times throughout the summer, I got a phone call from a staff member in the middle of the lake with a small fishing boat stranded by a 25 horse engine that wouldn’t start. I fired up the engine of the brand new Boston Whaler, our rescue boat and by far the nicest piece of equipment this camp owns, and set out in search of the stranded vessel. I caught up to them drifting a hundred yards from shore and towed them back to our dock.
My water front director, befuddled at the motionless hunk of aluminum, said it best when he commented, “ the only thing worse than a boat that won’t start is an unreliable one.” Before making the call to tow it to the marina for a real mechanic to work on it, I had to give it a try myself.
Time and time again the engine would fire and then immediately sputter to a stop. I switched gas tanks. Same thing happened. I pumped gas through the fuel line. Still didn’t start. In a last ditch effort after ten minutes of fruitless attempts I disconnected the fuel line from the engine and drained some fuel from the end of the line. With the next turn of the key the motor fired and roared into a fast idle as my water front director looked on from shore amazed. He claims he did the same things with no success. Two for two starting engines others had given up on!
Living on an island, boats are our most important tools. They shuttle people back and forth, deliver our food and equipment, and in an emergency, serve as our only means of evacuation. In addition to our small fishing boat and Boston Whaler, we have two pontoons and another small boat built in the 50’s, still as solid as the day it was set in the lake. Donated to camp after sitting for decades in storage, it is easily our fastest boat with its 60-horse engine. A trip across the lake on a windy day, however, can feel like riding a bull as it flies from one wave crest to the next.
The smaller pontoon of the two has a series of leaks in the pontoon that the careful spark of a welder time and time again failed to fully plug. A trip across the lake has become a game of beat the clock. Just this past week I loaded it down with 1600 pounds of fresh topsoil for our rhubarb garden and some other cargo totaling one ton. With the top of the pontoons only inches out of the water, it took twice as long but we made it to the dock before the bottom of the lake.
The bigger pontoon is our workhorse. On any given week it carries two tons of food, a couple dozen people, and any lumber and equipment needed on the island. With a 115-horse engine, it also serves as our emergency boat.
This past week it was used for that purpose for the first time under my watch. A young girl, complaining of stomach pains, was taken to the hospital in Bemidji after a choppy ride across the wind swept lake. As suspected, she was immediately diagnosed with appendicitis. As the camp director it is comforting to see things go right in a bad situation and I remain hopeful that when needed most, the boats will always meet our needs.
Off the water I’ve embarked on a campaign to eradicate mice from my living quarters. The first day I moved in and noticed a wolf spider occupying my bed. I don’t consider myself to have arachnophobia, but wolf spiders are big, ugly, and have the appearance of something deadly. I took care of the spider problem before I turned out the light for the evening, only to hear the scurrying of tiny feet across the floor.
Out of laziness I chose to ignore the sounds and continued to do so for a couple of weeks. One night, however, I could ignore it no longer. One of the darn things jumped into bed with me and ran across my back. It didn’t take me long to figure out what was going on as I awoke and turned on the light only to see its two beady eyes starring at me from the headboard of my bed, frozen in fear. I started swinging with my pillow, out of anger from the late night disturbance rather than fear of the pesky rodent.
It turns out the mouse problem was worse than I thought. I dug out four traps, baited them with raisins, and strategically placed them around the room. Five days later I’ve captured twice as many mice. I never imagined I might say this of my summer job but emptying the traps has become a part of my morning routine, bookended by brushing my teeth and checking the weather.
Happy Trails
Greg
Star Island Summer 2010, Week 1
When I last left off, I was typing my final words under the dim lighting of a full moon shining through my 12” by 6” inch wagon window after a summer of (runaway) horses, (snow covered) mountains, living in a (leaky) sheep wagon, and occasional visits from a (pig hungry) grizzly bear. A summer as a ranch hand was in many ways a dream come true if one forgets about the painstaking chores such as mowing the lawn, hauling firewood, and vacuuming the always-dirty ranch vehicles. Unless you’re a country music superstar, not often does one get to put on cowboy boots and pearl snap shirts when dressing for work. The view from my office (the shop) yielded an 11,000-foot snow capped peak, the views from which made a climber feel like they’d left earth and risen to the heavens. Coyotes howling on the prairie, boots stomping in line to the rhythm of the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and trout slapping the surface of the river characterized the soundtrack from that western adventure. And the food, do you remember how delicious that was? I can still taste it. On the ranch bacon held condiment status and the cookie jar always had something tempting my self-restraint.
Many of my friends were envious of the summer I was having. Time and time again I defended my good fortune and fulfilling job working on the ranch as my last hurrah before finding a “real” job. I postponed the search for a fulltime, year round job just long enough to squeeze in one more summer of seasonal work. Afterwards I would get down to it, put my nose to the grindstone, and find that decent paying, respectable career. At least that was the plan.
When a part-time job working at a liquor store was the only gainful employment I could find I turned to plan B; go back to school next fall and in the meantime, find one more adventurous summer job!
Nearly one year after I first pulled into the ranch, I find myself serenaded by crickets on the shores of a northern Minnesota lake. No neighing horses in the pasture, but instead the sounds of water lapping up against the sandy shore. No sheep wagon to retreat to, but instead a nice small cabin with a screened in porch. Not a single grizzly bear within over 500 miles, but at least two loons for nearly every lake. The leather cowboy boots are stashed away while Chaco sandals and floral printed swimming trunks become essential components of the wardrobe. Spin casting rods are favored over the fly rod and rather than a dinner bell sounds a trumpet like conch shell, beaconing guests toward a table full of home cooked food.
This summer I find myself at a northern Minnesota summer camp. To be more specific, it’s a Unitarian/Universalist family camp located on an island in Cass Lake near Bemidji. Life on an island is inherently challenging I am already discovering. A trip to town requires a twenty-minute boat ride and depending on the weather and waves, that trip isn’t always feasible. Garbage requires an extra effort and to cook all of that food requires a collection of propane tanks large enough to run a state fair booth all summer.
Carrying in the groceries isn’t as simple as a short walk from the garage to the kitchen. Instead we load a 25-foot pontoon with a few thousand dollars of goods each week and proceed to carry them off the dock, up the hill, and into the kitchen. Our cook claims she could cook a five-course meal with the food that has been lost to the bottom of the lake and I believe her. On a related note, just the other day I docked the pontoon and proceeded to assist the repairman with loading up our 50 year old 300 lb industrial sized mixer onto the boat. With a heave and a stretch I straddled the dock and the pontoon trying to plop the chunk of metal on the deck. As the repairman proceeded to do the same the pontoon began to drift away from the dock due to an excess of slack in the lines tying the boat to the dock. With panic we tried to heave it on the boat but were too slow as we gave up and watched the mixer splash and sink to the bottom of the marina. Astonished, we starred at the rippling water without saying a word. After our surprised stupor wore off, we hatched a plan to snag one of the mixer arms with a submerged rope and drag the mixer up the boat ramp. With coordinated heaves on the rope we brought it back to the surface, tied the boat tighter, and set the mixer down like nothing had ever happened. nfortunately the secret would have to be revealed when we explained to the cook why she couldn't plug it in for a few days.
The camp consists of five rustic cabins, a lodge with an attached dining hall and kitchen, a bunk house, staff housing, tent camping sites, and a couple of bath houses. Originally the property of a Texan cotton king who used the property as a summer retreat from the Texas heat, it was later donated to the Prairie Star District Unitarian Universalist Association for use as a summer camp in 1961. For the past 49 years families have come to the island for a week at a time to relax, sail, socialize, discuss current issues, and share in the magic of living on a lake in northern Minnesota. Each week has a different theme. Some examples include sailing, basket weaving, the compatibility of religion and science, dancing, the life of Henry David Thoreau, and others.
I was hired as the camp director. It’s a sharp learning curve, being thrust into a brand new job in a new setting and expecting to know more than the people working under you, (some of which are significantly older) but I’ve managed all right so far thanks to the help of some very generous and knowledgeable folks.
Last year’s adventure on the dude ranch yielded some interesting stories and experiences, and I suspect this summer will be no different. I intend to write the occasional update since so many have expressed interest in receiving them. If you are not one of these people let me know and I’ll take you off my list!
Happy Trails,
Greg
Many of my friends were envious of the summer I was having. Time and time again I defended my good fortune and fulfilling job working on the ranch as my last hurrah before finding a “real” job. I postponed the search for a fulltime, year round job just long enough to squeeze in one more summer of seasonal work. Afterwards I would get down to it, put my nose to the grindstone, and find that decent paying, respectable career. At least that was the plan.
When a part-time job working at a liquor store was the only gainful employment I could find I turned to plan B; go back to school next fall and in the meantime, find one more adventurous summer job!
Nearly one year after I first pulled into the ranch, I find myself serenaded by crickets on the shores of a northern Minnesota lake. No neighing horses in the pasture, but instead the sounds of water lapping up against the sandy shore. No sheep wagon to retreat to, but instead a nice small cabin with a screened in porch. Not a single grizzly bear within over 500 miles, but at least two loons for nearly every lake. The leather cowboy boots are stashed away while Chaco sandals and floral printed swimming trunks become essential components of the wardrobe. Spin casting rods are favored over the fly rod and rather than a dinner bell sounds a trumpet like conch shell, beaconing guests toward a table full of home cooked food.
This summer I find myself at a northern Minnesota summer camp. To be more specific, it’s a Unitarian/Universalist family camp located on an island in Cass Lake near Bemidji. Life on an island is inherently challenging I am already discovering. A trip to town requires a twenty-minute boat ride and depending on the weather and waves, that trip isn’t always feasible. Garbage requires an extra effort and to cook all of that food requires a collection of propane tanks large enough to run a state fair booth all summer.
Carrying in the groceries isn’t as simple as a short walk from the garage to the kitchen. Instead we load a 25-foot pontoon with a few thousand dollars of goods each week and proceed to carry them off the dock, up the hill, and into the kitchen. Our cook claims she could cook a five-course meal with the food that has been lost to the bottom of the lake and I believe her. On a related note, just the other day I docked the pontoon and proceeded to assist the repairman with loading up our 50 year old 300 lb industrial sized mixer onto the boat. With a heave and a stretch I straddled the dock and the pontoon trying to plop the chunk of metal on the deck. As the repairman proceeded to do the same the pontoon began to drift away from the dock due to an excess of slack in the lines tying the boat to the dock. With panic we tried to heave it on the boat but were too slow as we gave up and watched the mixer splash and sink to the bottom of the marina. Astonished, we starred at the rippling water without saying a word. After our surprised stupor wore off, we hatched a plan to snag one of the mixer arms with a submerged rope and drag the mixer up the boat ramp. With coordinated heaves on the rope we brought it back to the surface, tied the boat tighter, and set the mixer down like nothing had ever happened. nfortunately the secret would have to be revealed when we explained to the cook why she couldn't plug it in for a few days.
The camp consists of five rustic cabins, a lodge with an attached dining hall and kitchen, a bunk house, staff housing, tent camping sites, and a couple of bath houses. Originally the property of a Texan cotton king who used the property as a summer retreat from the Texas heat, it was later donated to the Prairie Star District Unitarian Universalist Association for use as a summer camp in 1961. For the past 49 years families have come to the island for a week at a time to relax, sail, socialize, discuss current issues, and share in the magic of living on a lake in northern Minnesota. Each week has a different theme. Some examples include sailing, basket weaving, the compatibility of religion and science, dancing, the life of Henry David Thoreau, and others.
I was hired as the camp director. It’s a sharp learning curve, being thrust into a brand new job in a new setting and expecting to know more than the people working under you, (some of which are significantly older) but I’ve managed all right so far thanks to the help of some very generous and knowledgeable folks.
Last year’s adventure on the dude ranch yielded some interesting stories and experiences, and I suspect this summer will be no different. I intend to write the occasional update since so many have expressed interest in receiving them. If you are not one of these people let me know and I’ll take you off my list!
Happy Trails,
Greg
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Library offers relief from bills, job hunting resources, friendly atmosphere
If the Caledonia Library were in the business of turning a profit, their number of clients would be increasing, sales would be setting quarterly records and stock doubling in value, an unusual trend in the current business sector. Of course, the tax payer funded, public service the library provides at no additional cost to the patron is not meant to fill the city coffers, but the point remains. The library is busy, and it keeps getting busier.
The economic slump haunting our nation is being held responsible for increased attendance at public libraries as people brainstorm ways to trim the fat off their household budget. The New York Times reported book, cd, and dvd sales were down in 2008 from 2007 and the number of movie, concert, and theater attendees also dropped. National booksellers Barnes and Noble and Borders saw 7 and 9 percent sales decreases respectively. Decreases in sales, combined with double digit increases of library patronage seem to tell an obvious story; more people are discovering and taking advantage of the free services offered at public libraries.
Studies indicate that similar trends are not unknown. During the Great Depression libraries saw a significant jump in patronage and again during the recession in 2001 when circulation rose 9 percent nationwide according to the American Library Association.
Locally, Librarian Marla Burns has observed the changes firsthand over the past months. “It has increased tremendously,” she spoke of library usage comparing 2007 to 2008. “I can’t imagine what 2009 will be.”
“People and their own personal budgets” is how she attributes the surge in patrons. She said that last week a patron announced she had disconnected her internet and cable TV to save money. She’s not the only one, however, as Burns noted that cutting back on internet, TV, periodicals, and book buying has been a common chorus from patrons.
By the numbers
In 2007 registered borrowers numbered 1,800. A 16% increase in 2008 has brought that total to 2,131, quite an impressive number for a small town suggested Burns. A 40% increase in library visits increased the 2007 count of 1,852 visits to 3,120 visits in 2008. Internet usage increased 18% over the same time period and total circulation has increased from 26,998 to 28,615 items, a 6% gain.
What brings all of these new patrons to the library? Self-help, finance, job seeking, and do-it-yourself books are all popular according to Burns. “People are also using the library for updating resumes and job hunting,” she stated.
Burns describes the biggest increase in patronage is coming from the male gender. “A lot of men are coming in for computer usage,” she stated. “We even get truck drivers borrowing audio books.
“Some days we have people waiting to use the internet and every day somebody brings their own laptop and uses the wireless,” she continued.
Even some people with a dial up internet connection have been known to come to the library to use the high speed service provided, allowing them to get their work done in faster time than it would have taken them back home.
“When I came we had card catalog, we were open 11 hours a week, and we had no computers,” remembered Burns. Now, the library is open 27 hours a week, hosts 9 computers for public use, and the card catalog, well, that’s one for the history books.
This September Burns will mark her 25th anniversary as librarian. Eileen Jacobson has been on staff for 11 years. Together they keep the shelves filled, the computers running, and the continuous flow of books organized.
Beyond books
If you think the library only offers outdated books on irrelevant subject matter, you haven’t been to the library lately. For a couple of decades the library has been a member of the Southeastern Library Cooperative (SELCO). Through this service, patrons have access to over 2.1 million items owned by the 84 libraries within the SELCO system.
Whether looking for the complete 1998 season of the Red Green Show, an audio tape of Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath”, a picture book of quilt designs, expert advice on how to build a shed, or local favorite “Jailhouse Stories” by Neil Haugerud, if the Caledonia Library doesn’t have it, chances are La Crescent, Plainview, Albert Lea, or one of the other libraries will. If the item you are looking for isn’t among the 2.1 million, a service called MNLink distributes materials statewide from other library systems and is likely to have it.
Money savings from borrowing books rather than purchasing them is only the beginning. Services offered through SELCO online can help guide a person through legal forms, answer health questions, and provide access to repair, maintenance and service information for up to 350 vehicles, potentially saving a person on lawyer, doctor, and mechanic fees. The library also contains 60 subscriptions to magazines and newspapers.
Free classes and guidance for people interested in learning how to use computers is offered. “This help is as simple as learning how to use the keyboard, setting up an e-mail account and most recently assisting in on-line job applications and setting up unemployment accounts,” described Burns.
The steps to becoming a library card holder and taking advantage of these services are simple. Stop in the library and ask for one. Some basic paperwork and a couple minutes of time is all it takes. Library cards can be used at any Minnesota library and books need not be returned to the same library they were borrowed from.
Asset to the community
Many libraries nationwide are contending with budget cuts at a time when their services are in most demand. While the Caledonia Library will see $2,000 cut from their budget, things could be worse. “Our city council is very generous,” complimented Burns. “We have a lot of people saying ‘please don’t take away from the library,’” but she continued, “we have to do our share, though.”
Karen Gran was interrupted by this reporter as she sifted through her e-mail inbox. By her estimate she stops by the library two times a week to borrow books, movies and increasingly, to use the internet.
In describing the value of the library she explained, “I think it’s a big asset, especially to residents who don’t have internet. I’d recommend it for almost any age.
“Oh, and they have wonderful employees,” Gran joked loud enough so Burns and Jacobson could hear, seizing the moment to show her appreciation for their dedication and helpful and friendly attitude. Judging by the friendly and personal greetings patrons receive as they walk through the door from Burns and Jacobson and increasing library patronage, it’s a comment most would probably agree with.
“How was your day at school?” Jacobson asked Sydnee Halverson as she entered, backpack in tow. Halverson, a 5th grader from Spring Grove and frequent visitor, came to the library to work on a science paper.
“In a small library you get to know people. They’re your friends,” smiled Burns as the interview concluded.
If that’s the case, Burns and Jacobson have 2,131 friends and counting.
National Library week is April 12-18. As a promotional tool the library is sponsoring an “I’d rather be reading” photo contest. The contest, open to anybody, is for silly, goofy, happy or sad photos that suggest “I’d rather be reading” than what I’m doing in this photo. Photos can be submitted in person or mailed to the library the week of April 12-18. Prizes will be awarded.
The economic slump haunting our nation is being held responsible for increased attendance at public libraries as people brainstorm ways to trim the fat off their household budget. The New York Times reported book, cd, and dvd sales were down in 2008 from 2007 and the number of movie, concert, and theater attendees also dropped. National booksellers Barnes and Noble and Borders saw 7 and 9 percent sales decreases respectively. Decreases in sales, combined with double digit increases of library patronage seem to tell an obvious story; more people are discovering and taking advantage of the free services offered at public libraries.
Studies indicate that similar trends are not unknown. During the Great Depression libraries saw a significant jump in patronage and again during the recession in 2001 when circulation rose 9 percent nationwide according to the American Library Association.
Locally, Librarian Marla Burns has observed the changes firsthand over the past months. “It has increased tremendously,” she spoke of library usage comparing 2007 to 2008. “I can’t imagine what 2009 will be.”
“People and their own personal budgets” is how she attributes the surge in patrons. She said that last week a patron announced she had disconnected her internet and cable TV to save money. She’s not the only one, however, as Burns noted that cutting back on internet, TV, periodicals, and book buying has been a common chorus from patrons.
By the numbers
In 2007 registered borrowers numbered 1,800. A 16% increase in 2008 has brought that total to 2,131, quite an impressive number for a small town suggested Burns. A 40% increase in library visits increased the 2007 count of 1,852 visits to 3,120 visits in 2008. Internet usage increased 18% over the same time period and total circulation has increased from 26,998 to 28,615 items, a 6% gain.
What brings all of these new patrons to the library? Self-help, finance, job seeking, and do-it-yourself books are all popular according to Burns. “People are also using the library for updating resumes and job hunting,” she stated.
Burns describes the biggest increase in patronage is coming from the male gender. “A lot of men are coming in for computer usage,” she stated. “We even get truck drivers borrowing audio books.
“Some days we have people waiting to use the internet and every day somebody brings their own laptop and uses the wireless,” she continued.
Even some people with a dial up internet connection have been known to come to the library to use the high speed service provided, allowing them to get their work done in faster time than it would have taken them back home.
“When I came we had card catalog, we were open 11 hours a week, and we had no computers,” remembered Burns. Now, the library is open 27 hours a week, hosts 9 computers for public use, and the card catalog, well, that’s one for the history books.
This September Burns will mark her 25th anniversary as librarian. Eileen Jacobson has been on staff for 11 years. Together they keep the shelves filled, the computers running, and the continuous flow of books organized.
Beyond books
If you think the library only offers outdated books on irrelevant subject matter, you haven’t been to the library lately. For a couple of decades the library has been a member of the Southeastern Library Cooperative (SELCO). Through this service, patrons have access to over 2.1 million items owned by the 84 libraries within the SELCO system.
Whether looking for the complete 1998 season of the Red Green Show, an audio tape of Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath”, a picture book of quilt designs, expert advice on how to build a shed, or local favorite “Jailhouse Stories” by Neil Haugerud, if the Caledonia Library doesn’t have it, chances are La Crescent, Plainview, Albert Lea, or one of the other libraries will. If the item you are looking for isn’t among the 2.1 million, a service called MNLink distributes materials statewide from other library systems and is likely to have it.
Money savings from borrowing books rather than purchasing them is only the beginning. Services offered through SELCO online can help guide a person through legal forms, answer health questions, and provide access to repair, maintenance and service information for up to 350 vehicles, potentially saving a person on lawyer, doctor, and mechanic fees. The library also contains 60 subscriptions to magazines and newspapers.
Free classes and guidance for people interested in learning how to use computers is offered. “This help is as simple as learning how to use the keyboard, setting up an e-mail account and most recently assisting in on-line job applications and setting up unemployment accounts,” described Burns.
The steps to becoming a library card holder and taking advantage of these services are simple. Stop in the library and ask for one. Some basic paperwork and a couple minutes of time is all it takes. Library cards can be used at any Minnesota library and books need not be returned to the same library they were borrowed from.
Asset to the community
Many libraries nationwide are contending with budget cuts at a time when their services are in most demand. While the Caledonia Library will see $2,000 cut from their budget, things could be worse. “Our city council is very generous,” complimented Burns. “We have a lot of people saying ‘please don’t take away from the library,’” but she continued, “we have to do our share, though.”
Karen Gran was interrupted by this reporter as she sifted through her e-mail inbox. By her estimate she stops by the library two times a week to borrow books, movies and increasingly, to use the internet.
In describing the value of the library she explained, “I think it’s a big asset, especially to residents who don’t have internet. I’d recommend it for almost any age.
“Oh, and they have wonderful employees,” Gran joked loud enough so Burns and Jacobson could hear, seizing the moment to show her appreciation for their dedication and helpful and friendly attitude. Judging by the friendly and personal greetings patrons receive as they walk through the door from Burns and Jacobson and increasing library patronage, it’s a comment most would probably agree with.
“How was your day at school?” Jacobson asked Sydnee Halverson as she entered, backpack in tow. Halverson, a 5th grader from Spring Grove and frequent visitor, came to the library to work on a science paper.
“In a small library you get to know people. They’re your friends,” smiled Burns as the interview concluded.
If that’s the case, Burns and Jacobson have 2,131 friends and counting.
National Library week is April 12-18. As a promotional tool the library is sponsoring an “I’d rather be reading” photo contest. The contest, open to anybody, is for silly, goofy, happy or sad photos that suggest “I’d rather be reading” than what I’m doing in this photo. Photos can be submitted in person or mailed to the library the week of April 12-18. Prizes will be awarded.
Trout populations strong for season opener
All winter long anglers anxiously await the opening of the spring trout season in Southeastern Minn. April 1 first marks the first day of the catch and release season in the southeast region while April 18 opens up trout fisheries statewide. Anglers from across bluff country and greater Minnesota annually converge on the Root River, Whitewater River, Forestville, Beaver, and Winnebago Creeks eager to explore their favorite fishing holes in hopes of catching the big one and enjoying a little serenity in the meantime.
Minnesota, well known for its 10,000 lakes, is not as popular a destination when it comes to trout fishing bluff country streams. “This is the last frontier for trout fishing,” stated Vaughn Snook of the DNR Lanesboro Regional Office. “A lot of people don’t know there are trout here. I grew up in Michigan and you ain’t seen nothing yet as I said to some people here when I first got here. Relative to a lot of states we don’t have a lot of angling pressure. In Michigan you’re shoulder to shoulder in some places.”
A season long survey (see sidebar) conducted in 2005 reported 90.6% of anglers were Minnesota residents while 3.9% and 0.9% hailed from Wisconsin and Iowa respectively. Over half, 52.3%, of anglers were Southeastern Minnesota residents while 31.1% came from the seven county metro region.
After the flooding in ‘07, and again last spring, raised water levels more than 50 feet above normal flow in some streams, many anglers assumed the population numbers would be low as a direct result of stream damage. Snook reports, however, that the numbers tell a different story.
He explained, “we looked at how successful spawning was based on numbers of little guys we catch. In May/June of ‘08 the catch was huge, off the charts. We don’t know for a fact, but we can kind of deduce that the floods may have had some positive affect in their spawning.” In one instance, an average of 533 fish/mile in three streams surveyed was reported pre-flood, and an average of 672 fish/mile was recorded after the ’07 floods in the same streams. How populations will react in the long term is still unknown, but for now population numbers look promising.
Snook noted trout populations generally go in a seven year cycle. At the time of the flooding, populations in the Whitewater river were already bottoming out, perhaps explaining the disappointment experienced by some post-flood anglers.
Rainbow, brown, and brook trout represent the trout species in local streams. Only brook trout are native. The others were introduced to fill niches left by brook trout as brook trout populations plummeted through the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s according to Ed Stork of the Lanesboro Fish Hatchery. Stork described brown and rainbow trout as “good sport fish, readily available, economical to raise, and fun to catch. They are quite tolerant of the somewhat turbid and warmer water in southeastern Minnesota,” he added.
This spring 28,100 rainbow trout yearlings, 27,600 rainbow fingerlings and 391,750 brown trout fingerlings will be released in Houston, Fillmore, Winona, Goodhue, Wabasha, and Olmsted counties. Beaver, Winnebago, and Crooked Creeks receive 1,300, 1,050, and 500 rainbow trout each year respectively.
Brook trout continue to be stocked in specific, hospitable streams including Eitzen Creek. “With the conservation reserve program we’ve increased our concentration of cold clear water,” noted Stork. “Once they (brook trout) start coming back they are going to start getting more popular,” he predicted.
Trout populations strong
Overall, trout populations have tripled since 1970 levels thanks to stocking efforts and overall habitat improvement. Fisheries managers hope one day area waters attain a self sustaining population. Stork see the loss of natural lands as the biggest threat to healthy trout populations, and as a result he fears stocking will always be necessary.
“While its been very true that we’ve gained several miles of cold clear water through the conservation reserve program it now appears we are going backwards, because some conservation reserve has been taken out and put back into production,” Stork said. “We’re going to start seeing a negative trend again so the stocking is always going to have to be there.”
On a similar note Snook responded he believes the biggest threat to local streams is farmers “still plowing into setbacks. It’s not a good idea.” He explained their office has approached county governments requesting them to enforce current regulations regarding setbacks from streams but commented they are usually unresponsive. He fears if regulations are not enforced locally, a legislative mandate could one day put control into state authorities.
“A lot of us would like to see local control. I’d rather my county do it. I don’t want someone from St Paul taking over,” he responded. “Either St Paul makes the decisions or we start helping ourselves.”
Fisheries managers are always look to create more trout stream easements to protect riparian habitat and allow anglers access. Currently 720 miles of streams are enlisted in the program, up from 680 miles in 2004. An easement is a legal contract with landowners that in exchange for a one time payment allows public fishing and DNR management activities along the enrolled section of stream. They typically encompass 66 feet of land and water on either side of the centerline of the stream.
Easements allow anglers opportunities to fish in places that would otherwise be off limits, but getting to the easement can sometimes be a challenge. “You can’t trespass to get to that easement corridor,” Snook emphasized. He stated the biggest gripe their office encounters from landowners is anglers trespassing on private property. “Most farmers wouldn’t care if you ask them. When you go do it without asking, that’s what angers them.” Posted signs mark easement boundaries. In Minn. all navigable waters are public, but without easements an angler must keep his feet wet to avoid trespassing. Fines of up to $3,000 penalize trespassing.
Rules and Regulations
In addition to confusion of easement boundaries, the list of state and local fishing regulations can easily discourage the novice fisherman.
In southeastern Minnesota, April 1 through April 17 is a catch and release only season with barbless hooks. April 18 through September 14 a possession limit of 5 fish is in place, only one of which may measure more than 16 inches. Sept. 15 through September 30 is once again catch and release using barbless hooks.
Certain streams, as outlined in the 2009 DNR Fishing Regulations booklet available online or where licenses are purchased, host specific slot limits. For example, all trout 12-16 inches in length taken from East Beaver Creek must be immediately released. Many will remember a proposal to turn sections of Winnebago Creek into catch and release only was dismissed in ’04 upon the recommendation from local citizens.
Everyone over the age of 16 needs a fishing license and a trout stamp to fish for trout, a combination costing approximately $27.
Snook encourages people with questions to call their office at 507 467 2442. They can also provide booklets outlining local regulations and easement locations.
Whether a seasoned veteran or a novice angler exploring a new hobby, one need not go any further than nearby valleys to find the prized trout some anglers search for across the continent. That the streams were too crowded or characterized by low populations numbers are no excuses for an empty creel around here, but as the old saying goes, even a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work.
2005 creel survey of selected trout streams
A survey conducted during the 2005 fishing season reported that 90% of anglers were males.
An estimated 214,307 trout were caught. Brown trout were the most sought after species as 38.9% of anglers indicated. Easy access was the number one reason 30% of anglers fished a particular stream. Favorite stream (28%) and that they live close by (21%) were other top reasons.
Angling using flies was more common in older age groups while younger anglers preferred bait. The highest catch rate was measured in August and April at an average of 2.1 trout/hour. The year round average catch rate was estimated to be 1.1 trout/hour.
The average age of anglers was 40.
Brown trout represented 72.2% of total catch and rainbow trout 26.1%. Mean catch size for brown trout was 9.6 inches, rainbow trout 10.3 inches, and brook trout at 8.2 inches.
May receives the most angling pressure with over 44,500 hours logged by anglers. Release rates of fish caught have increased over the years to approximately 83%, compared to approximately 96% out West.
Most anglers indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their angling experience.
The report concluded, “the southeast Minnesota trout resource is primarily used by resident anglers and is not a primary travel destination for non-resident trout anglers.” It went on to affirm that purchasing trout easements is important to provide easy access to streams. The survey indicated exactly what Snook originally suggested, that “relative to other fisheries, the amount of angler-hours estimated on streams in southeast Minnesota is low.”
Minnesota, well known for its 10,000 lakes, is not as popular a destination when it comes to trout fishing bluff country streams. “This is the last frontier for trout fishing,” stated Vaughn Snook of the DNR Lanesboro Regional Office. “A lot of people don’t know there are trout here. I grew up in Michigan and you ain’t seen nothing yet as I said to some people here when I first got here. Relative to a lot of states we don’t have a lot of angling pressure. In Michigan you’re shoulder to shoulder in some places.”
A season long survey (see sidebar) conducted in 2005 reported 90.6% of anglers were Minnesota residents while 3.9% and 0.9% hailed from Wisconsin and Iowa respectively. Over half, 52.3%, of anglers were Southeastern Minnesota residents while 31.1% came from the seven county metro region.
After the flooding in ‘07, and again last spring, raised water levels more than 50 feet above normal flow in some streams, many anglers assumed the population numbers would be low as a direct result of stream damage. Snook reports, however, that the numbers tell a different story.
He explained, “we looked at how successful spawning was based on numbers of little guys we catch. In May/June of ‘08 the catch was huge, off the charts. We don’t know for a fact, but we can kind of deduce that the floods may have had some positive affect in their spawning.” In one instance, an average of 533 fish/mile in three streams surveyed was reported pre-flood, and an average of 672 fish/mile was recorded after the ’07 floods in the same streams. How populations will react in the long term is still unknown, but for now population numbers look promising.
Snook noted trout populations generally go in a seven year cycle. At the time of the flooding, populations in the Whitewater river were already bottoming out, perhaps explaining the disappointment experienced by some post-flood anglers.
Rainbow, brown, and brook trout represent the trout species in local streams. Only brook trout are native. The others were introduced to fill niches left by brook trout as brook trout populations plummeted through the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s according to Ed Stork of the Lanesboro Fish Hatchery. Stork described brown and rainbow trout as “good sport fish, readily available, economical to raise, and fun to catch. They are quite tolerant of the somewhat turbid and warmer water in southeastern Minnesota,” he added.
This spring 28,100 rainbow trout yearlings, 27,600 rainbow fingerlings and 391,750 brown trout fingerlings will be released in Houston, Fillmore, Winona, Goodhue, Wabasha, and Olmsted counties. Beaver, Winnebago, and Crooked Creeks receive 1,300, 1,050, and 500 rainbow trout each year respectively.
Brook trout continue to be stocked in specific, hospitable streams including Eitzen Creek. “With the conservation reserve program we’ve increased our concentration of cold clear water,” noted Stork. “Once they (brook trout) start coming back they are going to start getting more popular,” he predicted.
Trout populations strong
Overall, trout populations have tripled since 1970 levels thanks to stocking efforts and overall habitat improvement. Fisheries managers hope one day area waters attain a self sustaining population. Stork see the loss of natural lands as the biggest threat to healthy trout populations, and as a result he fears stocking will always be necessary.
“While its been very true that we’ve gained several miles of cold clear water through the conservation reserve program it now appears we are going backwards, because some conservation reserve has been taken out and put back into production,” Stork said. “We’re going to start seeing a negative trend again so the stocking is always going to have to be there.”
On a similar note Snook responded he believes the biggest threat to local streams is farmers “still plowing into setbacks. It’s not a good idea.” He explained their office has approached county governments requesting them to enforce current regulations regarding setbacks from streams but commented they are usually unresponsive. He fears if regulations are not enforced locally, a legislative mandate could one day put control into state authorities.
“A lot of us would like to see local control. I’d rather my county do it. I don’t want someone from St Paul taking over,” he responded. “Either St Paul makes the decisions or we start helping ourselves.”
Fisheries managers are always look to create more trout stream easements to protect riparian habitat and allow anglers access. Currently 720 miles of streams are enlisted in the program, up from 680 miles in 2004. An easement is a legal contract with landowners that in exchange for a one time payment allows public fishing and DNR management activities along the enrolled section of stream. They typically encompass 66 feet of land and water on either side of the centerline of the stream.
Easements allow anglers opportunities to fish in places that would otherwise be off limits, but getting to the easement can sometimes be a challenge. “You can’t trespass to get to that easement corridor,” Snook emphasized. He stated the biggest gripe their office encounters from landowners is anglers trespassing on private property. “Most farmers wouldn’t care if you ask them. When you go do it without asking, that’s what angers them.” Posted signs mark easement boundaries. In Minn. all navigable waters are public, but without easements an angler must keep his feet wet to avoid trespassing. Fines of up to $3,000 penalize trespassing.
Rules and Regulations
In addition to confusion of easement boundaries, the list of state and local fishing regulations can easily discourage the novice fisherman.
In southeastern Minnesota, April 1 through April 17 is a catch and release only season with barbless hooks. April 18 through September 14 a possession limit of 5 fish is in place, only one of which may measure more than 16 inches. Sept. 15 through September 30 is once again catch and release using barbless hooks.
Certain streams, as outlined in the 2009 DNR Fishing Regulations booklet available online or where licenses are purchased, host specific slot limits. For example, all trout 12-16 inches in length taken from East Beaver Creek must be immediately released. Many will remember a proposal to turn sections of Winnebago Creek into catch and release only was dismissed in ’04 upon the recommendation from local citizens.
Everyone over the age of 16 needs a fishing license and a trout stamp to fish for trout, a combination costing approximately $27.
Snook encourages people with questions to call their office at 507 467 2442. They can also provide booklets outlining local regulations and easement locations.
Whether a seasoned veteran or a novice angler exploring a new hobby, one need not go any further than nearby valleys to find the prized trout some anglers search for across the continent. That the streams were too crowded or characterized by low populations numbers are no excuses for an empty creel around here, but as the old saying goes, even a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work.
2005 creel survey of selected trout streams
A survey conducted during the 2005 fishing season reported that 90% of anglers were males.
An estimated 214,307 trout were caught. Brown trout were the most sought after species as 38.9% of anglers indicated. Easy access was the number one reason 30% of anglers fished a particular stream. Favorite stream (28%) and that they live close by (21%) were other top reasons.
Angling using flies was more common in older age groups while younger anglers preferred bait. The highest catch rate was measured in August and April at an average of 2.1 trout/hour. The year round average catch rate was estimated to be 1.1 trout/hour.
The average age of anglers was 40.
Brown trout represented 72.2% of total catch and rainbow trout 26.1%. Mean catch size for brown trout was 9.6 inches, rainbow trout 10.3 inches, and brook trout at 8.2 inches.
May receives the most angling pressure with over 44,500 hours logged by anglers. Release rates of fish caught have increased over the years to approximately 83%, compared to approximately 96% out West.
Most anglers indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their angling experience.
The report concluded, “the southeast Minnesota trout resource is primarily used by resident anglers and is not a primary travel destination for non-resident trout anglers.” It went on to affirm that purchasing trout easements is important to provide easy access to streams. The survey indicated exactly what Snook originally suggested, that “relative to other fisheries, the amount of angler-hours estimated on streams in southeast Minnesota is low.”
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Bison herd along Highway 44 draws lots of attention
Winter brings a series of changes to the Houston County landscape each year; wind blown snowdrifts, busy snowmobile trails, and the sudden appearance of a herd of bison along Highway 44 west of Caledonia. The shaggy beasts that stoically make their winter residence near the junction of Highway 44 and Gap drive belong to Steve and Linda Fruechte of Buffalo Hills Bison, local bison ranchers since 1993.
“In the fall before we’ve got the corn harvested people are asking, ‘when you going to put the buffalo out,”’ chuckled Steve. “I still see people stop and pull in the driveway and take pictures.”
Despite the increasing number of bison raised in North America, for many travelers they are still a unique find, a reminder of their once crippled status only a century ago when overall population numbers bottomed out at nearly 600 animals.
“Ever since I was a little kid, there was always something about the buffalo that intrigued me,” said Fruechte.
Steve and Linda purchased their first 12 bison in 1993 to capture the plentiful resources on their unused pasture land. Since then their herd has grown to over 200 animals gathered from several producers in Iowa, Minn. and Wisc. and as far away as Custer State Park in S.D. and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in N.D.
A growing movement
On a sunny afternoon last week I tagged along as Steve pulled six round bales out to the pasture, enough forage to keep this herd satisfied for three days. Like hungry cattle, many followed the tractor in anticipation.
The increasing popularity of bison meat the past two decades has paralleled the local and natural food movements. “There’s a lot of people looking for alternative healthier and locally grown food, so it’s getting to be more accepted,” commented Fruechte. “It’s gone from people who would just try it for something different to customers who for different reasons bison is the only red meat they eat now.”
Steve cited their experiences at the state fair over the years as one indicator of bison meat’s growing popularity. “The first few years we worked at the booth at the state fair and there would maybe be a few people that had tried a buffalo burger in the Black Hills. A few years later there were more. Then people were asking where to buy the meat. Now people are asking what stores have it. People know it’s available.”
“Meat sales have been growing industry wide,” Fruechte said. Statistics verify that statement. Consumer demand for bison meat grew 17% in 2007, the fourth straight year of double digit growth.
Previously, the industry was in a slump from 1999-2003 when the market was overstocked and live animals too expensive for producers to purchase new stock. Added to that were complications with shipping after 9/11 and the opening of US markets to Canadian producers.
“The last few years we lost some producers, especially in the west with the big droughts,” Fruechte explained. Producer cutbacks combined with increasing demand has turned the market around. “Quite often we’re out of different items until the next time we butcher,” Fruechte noted.
Despite the troubled economy sales remain good and even a little better than average. “People always have to eat and they are wanting to get the most out of their food dollar,” Fruechte said. “It’s more nutrient dense meat. You fry up a burger and when you’re done, the burger is almost the same size as you start out. People like that about it.”
“Bison price doesn’t fluctuate like the beef price,” Fruechte continued. “When beef goes up and down, bison goes with the supply and demand.” It used to be bison meat cost double the price of beef. Fruechte explained that now as beef prices have increased, the gap has narrowed. Ground bison typically costs about $5/lb. while beef ranges from $3-4/lb. Bison steaks usually start at $7/lb.
About one third of Fruechte’s sales come from their website. Weekly they find themselves shipping products as far away as Texas, Florida, and Washington D.C. They also rely on direct marketing to local retail outlets, restaurants, and consumers themselves. During warmer months Fruechte regularly sells at the Cameron Park and Festival Foods farmer’s markets in La Crosse and the La Crescent farmer’s market. He says it’s difficult to stereotype customers since people have different reasons for choosing bison meat.
Besides meat, Fruechte will occasionally sell a hide or skull. “In the winter time when we get some nice hides we’ll get them tanned,” Fruechte said. “I’ve had a few Native Americans that wanted to make drums so we use the summer hides for that. I’ve had people want skulls for wall hangings.” Additionally, the winter coats bison shed can be used to make cashmere.
By the numbers
The North American bison herd numbers at approximately 450,000 animals, 198,234 of which comprise the US population according to The National Bison Association. 20,000 of these animals reside on public lands while the rest are raised on 4,499 farms and ranches found in every state of the union. While still a far cry from the estimated 30 million or more that once roamed the continent, these numbers represent an astonishing comeback over the past century.
According to The National Bison Association, in 2007, nearly 50,000 bison were processed under USDA inspection, a number nearly double the processed total in 2002. By comparison, an average of 125,000 beef cattle are processed daily in the U.S. Despite the growing popularity of bison, it still comprises only a fraction of the meat consumed in the U.S.
Five years ago Fruechte sold some animals to Cuba on two separate occasions, making local headlines after the US lifted some trade embargo regulations. Since then he hasn’t heard much either way on how the bison are doing but added the small country has been rocked by successive hurricanes the past few years, diverting attention elsewhere.
Promising future
“I don’t really think it will get like the beef industry, especially where they have packer ownership,” speculated Fruechte. “We (the bison industry) are too small for that. It takes a certain kind of person to want to work with buffalo. Everything is on their terms. Everything has to be done at a slower pace.” This prompted him to pull out the old adage among bison ranchers; “you can herd a buffalo anywhere it wants to go.”
While rotational grazing for beef herds is becoming an increasingly popular practice, bison naturally graze in a rotational cycle without any prodding from the farmer. Fruechte explained, “in the morning they’ll be in one pasture and in the afternoon another. A beef cow will tend to stand in one place and eat everything that’s there and then move a little bit. Buffalo, given the room, will take a few bites and then step, another bite and then a step.”
During the tractor ride through the pasture, I learned bison prefer grass to alfalfa. Fruechte offers corn and oats for animals approaching a visit to the butcher’s shop. “The main reason we give some grain is people were more accustomed to the taste of a grain finished animal,” Fruechte explained. “Now its kind of going opposite. We’ve had people requesting strictly grass fed.”
Nearby a bison wallowed in the dirt. Fruechte pointed out that bison cannot roll over like a dog because of the hump on their back. Instead, they have to dust off one side, get up, and lay back down to scratch the other side. The hump is muscle mass that gives the bison strength in its neck, allowing for it to burrow under deep snows for food. Today, however, those muscles proved unnecessary as the herd casually munched away on the freshly strewn hay in the pasture along Highway 44.
With an increased focus on healthy food choices, more consumer awareness about the benefits of bison meat and a desire for locally and sustainably produced foods, it seems the future of the bison market looks promising, if not for the animals themselves, at least for the bison rancher.
“In the fall before we’ve got the corn harvested people are asking, ‘when you going to put the buffalo out,”’ chuckled Steve. “I still see people stop and pull in the driveway and take pictures.”
Despite the increasing number of bison raised in North America, for many travelers they are still a unique find, a reminder of their once crippled status only a century ago when overall population numbers bottomed out at nearly 600 animals.
“Ever since I was a little kid, there was always something about the buffalo that intrigued me,” said Fruechte.
Steve and Linda purchased their first 12 bison in 1993 to capture the plentiful resources on their unused pasture land. Since then their herd has grown to over 200 animals gathered from several producers in Iowa, Minn. and Wisc. and as far away as Custer State Park in S.D. and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in N.D.
A growing movement
On a sunny afternoon last week I tagged along as Steve pulled six round bales out to the pasture, enough forage to keep this herd satisfied for three days. Like hungry cattle, many followed the tractor in anticipation.
The increasing popularity of bison meat the past two decades has paralleled the local and natural food movements. “There’s a lot of people looking for alternative healthier and locally grown food, so it’s getting to be more accepted,” commented Fruechte. “It’s gone from people who would just try it for something different to customers who for different reasons bison is the only red meat they eat now.”
Steve cited their experiences at the state fair over the years as one indicator of bison meat’s growing popularity. “The first few years we worked at the booth at the state fair and there would maybe be a few people that had tried a buffalo burger in the Black Hills. A few years later there were more. Then people were asking where to buy the meat. Now people are asking what stores have it. People know it’s available.”
“Meat sales have been growing industry wide,” Fruechte said. Statistics verify that statement. Consumer demand for bison meat grew 17% in 2007, the fourth straight year of double digit growth.
Previously, the industry was in a slump from 1999-2003 when the market was overstocked and live animals too expensive for producers to purchase new stock. Added to that were complications with shipping after 9/11 and the opening of US markets to Canadian producers.
“The last few years we lost some producers, especially in the west with the big droughts,” Fruechte explained. Producer cutbacks combined with increasing demand has turned the market around. “Quite often we’re out of different items until the next time we butcher,” Fruechte noted.
Despite the troubled economy sales remain good and even a little better than average. “People always have to eat and they are wanting to get the most out of their food dollar,” Fruechte said. “It’s more nutrient dense meat. You fry up a burger and when you’re done, the burger is almost the same size as you start out. People like that about it.”
“Bison price doesn’t fluctuate like the beef price,” Fruechte continued. “When beef goes up and down, bison goes with the supply and demand.” It used to be bison meat cost double the price of beef. Fruechte explained that now as beef prices have increased, the gap has narrowed. Ground bison typically costs about $5/lb. while beef ranges from $3-4/lb. Bison steaks usually start at $7/lb.
About one third of Fruechte’s sales come from their website. Weekly they find themselves shipping products as far away as Texas, Florida, and Washington D.C. They also rely on direct marketing to local retail outlets, restaurants, and consumers themselves. During warmer months Fruechte regularly sells at the Cameron Park and Festival Foods farmer’s markets in La Crosse and the La Crescent farmer’s market. He says it’s difficult to stereotype customers since people have different reasons for choosing bison meat.
Besides meat, Fruechte will occasionally sell a hide or skull. “In the winter time when we get some nice hides we’ll get them tanned,” Fruechte said. “I’ve had a few Native Americans that wanted to make drums so we use the summer hides for that. I’ve had people want skulls for wall hangings.” Additionally, the winter coats bison shed can be used to make cashmere.
By the numbers
The North American bison herd numbers at approximately 450,000 animals, 198,234 of which comprise the US population according to The National Bison Association. 20,000 of these animals reside on public lands while the rest are raised on 4,499 farms and ranches found in every state of the union. While still a far cry from the estimated 30 million or more that once roamed the continent, these numbers represent an astonishing comeback over the past century.
According to The National Bison Association, in 2007, nearly 50,000 bison were processed under USDA inspection, a number nearly double the processed total in 2002. By comparison, an average of 125,000 beef cattle are processed daily in the U.S. Despite the growing popularity of bison, it still comprises only a fraction of the meat consumed in the U.S.
Five years ago Fruechte sold some animals to Cuba on two separate occasions, making local headlines after the US lifted some trade embargo regulations. Since then he hasn’t heard much either way on how the bison are doing but added the small country has been rocked by successive hurricanes the past few years, diverting attention elsewhere.
Promising future
“I don’t really think it will get like the beef industry, especially where they have packer ownership,” speculated Fruechte. “We (the bison industry) are too small for that. It takes a certain kind of person to want to work with buffalo. Everything is on their terms. Everything has to be done at a slower pace.” This prompted him to pull out the old adage among bison ranchers; “you can herd a buffalo anywhere it wants to go.”
While rotational grazing for beef herds is becoming an increasingly popular practice, bison naturally graze in a rotational cycle without any prodding from the farmer. Fruechte explained, “in the morning they’ll be in one pasture and in the afternoon another. A beef cow will tend to stand in one place and eat everything that’s there and then move a little bit. Buffalo, given the room, will take a few bites and then step, another bite and then a step.”
During the tractor ride through the pasture, I learned bison prefer grass to alfalfa. Fruechte offers corn and oats for animals approaching a visit to the butcher’s shop. “The main reason we give some grain is people were more accustomed to the taste of a grain finished animal,” Fruechte explained. “Now its kind of going opposite. We’ve had people requesting strictly grass fed.”
Nearby a bison wallowed in the dirt. Fruechte pointed out that bison cannot roll over like a dog because of the hump on their back. Instead, they have to dust off one side, get up, and lay back down to scratch the other side. The hump is muscle mass that gives the bison strength in its neck, allowing for it to burrow under deep snows for food. Today, however, those muscles proved unnecessary as the herd casually munched away on the freshly strewn hay in the pasture along Highway 44.
With an increased focus on healthy food choices, more consumer awareness about the benefits of bison meat and a desire for locally and sustainably produced foods, it seems the future of the bison market looks promising, if not for the animals themselves, at least for the bison rancher.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Area Citizens React to Northern Engraving-Spring Grove Closure
While the effects of a slow economy echo through the halls of congress and still factories across the nation, last week it hit a little closer to home. In less than eight weeks Northern Engraving will close its Spring Grove plant after over three decades of operation. Layoffs of the approximately 250 employees will begin mid February and occur over a two or three week period as production is shifted to Sparta or West Salem. It is estimated that approximately 50 employees reside in the Caledonia area.
Northern Engraving, celebrating its centennial year, is a leading supplier of nameplates and decorative trim for brands such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Honeywell, and corporations like General Electric and General Motors. Sparta, WI is home to their corporate headquarters, but they also host manufacturing plants in Holmen, West Salam, and Great Britain.
Vice President, Ed Johnson, indicated the decision to close the plant is attributed to declining sales as a result of a weakened economy.
In an interview he further explained, “Northern Engraving finds itself with significant overcapacity with relation to the North American auto market and the slow down in the economy. Bottom line costs is what caused the decision.” Johnson also states, “the decision is not an easy one, but it is the kind of consolidation that all responsible businesses are going through in this economic downturn.”
Aware that Northern Engraving manufactured emblems for Dell computers, I asked Johnson if it was likely the logo on my computer was manufactured in Spring Grove. He explained that at one time they were, but Dell no longer orders parts from Northern Engraving. Instead, Dell purchases from low-cost manufacturing. Low-cost manufacturing is a more formal descriptor for overseas manufacturing where products are produced cheaper. While the slow economy is to blame for much of the slowdown, companies importing products from overseas can also influence Northern Engraving’s business.
“Our decision in Spring Grove has nothing to do with the quality or capability of the workforce,” Johnson reaffirms area residents. “The Spring Grove community and the larger area of Minnesota has been a wonderful place to have done business.”
While Johnson stated that approximately 50% of Northern Engraving’s output is for clients in the auto industry, Marylin Thomford, a 19 year employee, explained that the past three or four years a majority of the work in the Spring Grove facility focused on appliances.
Thomford was surprised by the decision to close the plant, stating, “it surprised everybody. Even the superintendent didn’t seem to know.”
Eyebrows were first raised when the second shift supervisors reported to work earlier than usual to attend a meeting Thursday afternoon, Dec. 11, with company officials. After the meeting, word of the decision quickly spread to the workforce and throughout surrounding communities.
The reactions she’s witnessed from coworkers tell a story of bewilderment.
“People have no idea what they are going to do. There are no jobs out there.”
Thomford is going to retire a few years earlier than originally planned and believes there are quite a few people of retirement age who will likely do the same.
Karen Folstad, Spring Grove mayor, was also surprised at the news.
“We thought things were picking up,” said Folstad. “Talking with the workers, they indicated they were looking at contracts for appliances and other work to fill the gap.”
Folstad and other city officials are exploring how this will affect the community. In addition to less patronage at local businesses, she fears the loss of a major employer like Northern Engraving could also affect school enrollment if people move away to find other jobs. She hopes to discuss with Northern Engraving officials the prospects of keeping the factory open or potentially selling the property to another business that would bring jobs to the city.
All of this comes only days after good news swept the city. Two weeks ago it was announced by US News and World Report that Spring Grove Secondary received a bronze rating in their Best High Schools analysis. A bronze rating indicates overall student performance was above the state average and the performance of the least advantaged students, (i.e. racial minority, low income) also ranked above state average, indicating the school serves all students well. 1,321 high schools in 48 states received this rating.
Northern Engraving closed its plant in Waukon only a few months ago. Waukon mayor, Keith Schroeder, indicated the transition hasn’t been easy. While many former employees found work in Decorah, or even at the Spring Grove Northern Engraving plant, others used the opportunity to go back to school.
Despite their efforts, Schroeder said, “Nothing has moved in to fill that gap. We had a couple nibbles here and there but it’s awful hard to get them to come. It’s going to take time. Its not an overnight thing.”
Sharon Corcoran will mark her 30th anniversary of employment for Northern Engraving January 8th. While Corcoran was surprised the decision to close the plant was announced now, she assumed it was only a matter of time.
“They closed Galesville, Lansing, Waukon, but they’ve been doing it in two year intervals, so I thought maybe we’d have another two years. You know its going to happen. I just thought we had a little longer.”
Fortunately, Corcoran currently works part time for ABLE in Caledonia. With her pending unemployment from Northern Engraving, she hopes to eventually go full time. She is particularly grateful for ABLE’s willingness to work with her and give her more hours when her work at Northern Engraving occasionally got cut back.
In explaining the mood of coworkers she said, “I think everybody is sad, not just for losing the job but losing friendships. I think they’re scared. In rural communities there aren’t very many jobs and with the economy the way it is, it’s scary.”
Despite the disappointment in the announced factory closing, Corcoran remains thankful for the job it has given her the past 30 years, always providing her family with shelter, clothing, and food.
Johnson indicated they plan to hold on to the property for awhile although no immediate plans for the property exist. It is not expected they will reopen the plant although some remain hopeful they will. In 2002 Northern Engraving announced they would close their Galesville plant only to reverse that decision a few months later due to “changes in business circumstances.” The Galesville plant did eventually close in 2006.
“We expect to be able to rebound as the economy rebounds,” Johnson said while explaining what the future holds for the company. “We are opportunistic that the US economy is strong and vibrant and we will rebound. We are in tough times right now, it will eventually turn and when it does we will go with it.”
Whether or not a rebounding economy could bring Northern Engraving back to Spring Grove is a question that only time will answer. For now, work continues as employees work through their final weeks of employment and prepare plant operations for the transition to Wisconsin.
Northern Engraving, celebrating its centennial year, is a leading supplier of nameplates and decorative trim for brands such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Honeywell, and corporations like General Electric and General Motors. Sparta, WI is home to their corporate headquarters, but they also host manufacturing plants in Holmen, West Salam, and Great Britain.
Vice President, Ed Johnson, indicated the decision to close the plant is attributed to declining sales as a result of a weakened economy.
In an interview he further explained, “Northern Engraving finds itself with significant overcapacity with relation to the North American auto market and the slow down in the economy. Bottom line costs is what caused the decision.” Johnson also states, “the decision is not an easy one, but it is the kind of consolidation that all responsible businesses are going through in this economic downturn.”
Aware that Northern Engraving manufactured emblems for Dell computers, I asked Johnson if it was likely the logo on my computer was manufactured in Spring Grove. He explained that at one time they were, but Dell no longer orders parts from Northern Engraving. Instead, Dell purchases from low-cost manufacturing. Low-cost manufacturing is a more formal descriptor for overseas manufacturing where products are produced cheaper. While the slow economy is to blame for much of the slowdown, companies importing products from overseas can also influence Northern Engraving’s business.
“Our decision in Spring Grove has nothing to do with the quality or capability of the workforce,” Johnson reaffirms area residents. “The Spring Grove community and the larger area of Minnesota has been a wonderful place to have done business.”
While Johnson stated that approximately 50% of Northern Engraving’s output is for clients in the auto industry, Marylin Thomford, a 19 year employee, explained that the past three or four years a majority of the work in the Spring Grove facility focused on appliances.
Thomford was surprised by the decision to close the plant, stating, “it surprised everybody. Even the superintendent didn’t seem to know.”
Eyebrows were first raised when the second shift supervisors reported to work earlier than usual to attend a meeting Thursday afternoon, Dec. 11, with company officials. After the meeting, word of the decision quickly spread to the workforce and throughout surrounding communities.
The reactions she’s witnessed from coworkers tell a story of bewilderment.
“People have no idea what they are going to do. There are no jobs out there.”
Thomford is going to retire a few years earlier than originally planned and believes there are quite a few people of retirement age who will likely do the same.
Karen Folstad, Spring Grove mayor, was also surprised at the news.
“We thought things were picking up,” said Folstad. “Talking with the workers, they indicated they were looking at contracts for appliances and other work to fill the gap.”
Folstad and other city officials are exploring how this will affect the community. In addition to less patronage at local businesses, she fears the loss of a major employer like Northern Engraving could also affect school enrollment if people move away to find other jobs. She hopes to discuss with Northern Engraving officials the prospects of keeping the factory open or potentially selling the property to another business that would bring jobs to the city.
All of this comes only days after good news swept the city. Two weeks ago it was announced by US News and World Report that Spring Grove Secondary received a bronze rating in their Best High Schools analysis. A bronze rating indicates overall student performance was above the state average and the performance of the least advantaged students, (i.e. racial minority, low income) also ranked above state average, indicating the school serves all students well. 1,321 high schools in 48 states received this rating.
Northern Engraving closed its plant in Waukon only a few months ago. Waukon mayor, Keith Schroeder, indicated the transition hasn’t been easy. While many former employees found work in Decorah, or even at the Spring Grove Northern Engraving plant, others used the opportunity to go back to school.
Despite their efforts, Schroeder said, “Nothing has moved in to fill that gap. We had a couple nibbles here and there but it’s awful hard to get them to come. It’s going to take time. Its not an overnight thing.”
Sharon Corcoran will mark her 30th anniversary of employment for Northern Engraving January 8th. While Corcoran was surprised the decision to close the plant was announced now, she assumed it was only a matter of time.
“They closed Galesville, Lansing, Waukon, but they’ve been doing it in two year intervals, so I thought maybe we’d have another two years. You know its going to happen. I just thought we had a little longer.”
Fortunately, Corcoran currently works part time for ABLE in Caledonia. With her pending unemployment from Northern Engraving, she hopes to eventually go full time. She is particularly grateful for ABLE’s willingness to work with her and give her more hours when her work at Northern Engraving occasionally got cut back.
In explaining the mood of coworkers she said, “I think everybody is sad, not just for losing the job but losing friendships. I think they’re scared. In rural communities there aren’t very many jobs and with the economy the way it is, it’s scary.”
Despite the disappointment in the announced factory closing, Corcoran remains thankful for the job it has given her the past 30 years, always providing her family with shelter, clothing, and food.
Johnson indicated they plan to hold on to the property for awhile although no immediate plans for the property exist. It is not expected they will reopen the plant although some remain hopeful they will. In 2002 Northern Engraving announced they would close their Galesville plant only to reverse that decision a few months later due to “changes in business circumstances.” The Galesville plant did eventually close in 2006.
“We expect to be able to rebound as the economy rebounds,” Johnson said while explaining what the future holds for the company. “We are opportunistic that the US economy is strong and vibrant and we will rebound. We are in tough times right now, it will eventually turn and when it does we will go with it.”
Whether or not a rebounding economy could bring Northern Engraving back to Spring Grove is a question that only time will answer. For now, work continues as employees work through their final weeks of employment and prepare plant operations for the transition to Wisconsin.
Chiglo Rebuilds Bridge, Rebuilds Confidence
August 1st, 2007, the Interstate 35W Saint Anthony Falls bridge spanning the Mississippi tumbled in its entirety into the waters below. Disbelief was the immediate reaction of most citizens throughout the state, and across the nation, as images of broken concrete, bent iron, and crushed cars filled our TV screens for weeks to follow.
For Jon Chiglo, Caledonia native and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) engineer, disbelief is only the beginning of the story. Twenty-four hours later he would be called upon by Khani Sahebjam, MnDOT’s deputy commissioner and chief engineer to be the project manager for the $235 million reconstruction of a bridge that would likely receive more public attention and scrutiny than any project in the history of the department. It was to this project he would devote his life over the next year and few months, often times working around the clock.
Chiglo first learned of the bridge collapse while on his way to a bar to meet some friends. His wife, Sherri, a photographer for the St Paul Pioneer Press, called and told him the news after she was called back to work to photograph the catastrophe.
“I told her it couldn’t have been a bridge, must have been a piece of a bridge. I walked into the bar and asked the bartender to turn the channel to a local news station. The whole restaurant went quiet. Disbelief. Engineers are supposed to instill confidence in what they build. We lost a lot of trust and confidence in our industry and department,” explained Chiglo.
The loss of the 35W bridge was calculated to cost $400,000 per day in lost revenue. While rebuilding the bridge became MnDOT’s number one goal, of equal importance was rebuilding public confidence. Suddenly the infrastructure carrying Minnesotans to and from work was no longer taken for granted by people like you and I.
In commenting on the department’s desire to restore public trust, Chiglo pointed out they never turned down an interview. “Communication was the biggest challenge. We didn’t have opportunities to make mistakes. We focused on being accessible, communicating clearly, and in a timely matter. As a result the public and press have been very appreciative of the amount of effort.” Appreciative press includes myself who stole half an hour of his precious time for one more interview.
While Chiglo realizes that rebuilding confidence and trust will not result from this project alone, he views the transparency and attention to public concern as an important first step forward.
On any given day Chiglo could be found making sure any project issues were resolved in a timely manner, responding to contractor’s questions, working with other departments to make informed decisions, managing design and construction, meeting with the public, answering questions for the press, talking with legislators, or on some days, all of the above. Even now, 3 months after the bridge has reopened, he continues to work on the project tying up loose ends.
When asked how he handled the stress, Chiglo is quick to point toward his family.
“Sisters, brothers, parents, and especially Sherri were all very supportive of what I was doing. When you have that support it helps get your mind off of things.”
For Chiglo, the most rewarding aspect was accomplishing the main project goals of building it safely, at high quality, and on schedule. In fact, not a single lost time incident was reported during the construction project, a feat in itself. He credits much of the success to the crew working with him.
“There existed an enormous amount of doubt that we could accomplish what we were saying we were trying to accomplish. About 75% of the public doubted we could build it by the end of December.”
When the bridge opened September 18th, over 3 months before the December 24th deadline, news stories turned from doubt to astonishment. Despite the quick construction, MnDOT officials assured the public every step of the way quality was not sacrificed for speed.
The new bridge features a 100-year lifespan, 10 lanes of traffic plus wide shoulders, room to accommodate future light rail expansion, energy efficient LED lighting, 48,700 cubic yards of highly durable concrete, 17 million pounds of rebar, redundancy measures, and an assortment of sensors to continually monitor temperature and stress changes. The bridge’s automated anti-icing system is activated when temperature, humidity, and wind speed reach specified levels as monitored by these sensors.
Chiglo graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with a bachelors of science degree in civil engineering. He began his career working in Rochester doing surveying and bridge maintenance and later oversaw construction and design projects in Owatonna. When funding opened up for the Highway 52 project in Rochester, he was instated as the project manager for development. Next he moved on to manage the Highway 212 project in the southwest metro area before being called upon to manage the 35W Bridge reconstruction.
Much of his inspiration for becoming an engineer came from his father, Nester. Nester spent 34 years working for the soil conservation service on erosion control by building dams and laying out contour strips for area farmers. While it was his dad’s influence that interested him in engineering, his mother, Phyllis, was a driving force as well. When not busy with sports, Phyllis encouraged her children to work, work hard, and do the job right or not do it at all. For Jon, that started as mowing neighborhood lawns.
“We wanted to keep them busy so they would stay out of trouble,” explained Phyllis. “They always told me I made them work too hard,” she stated with a grin. “Kids learn a lot if they have to work and earn their own money.” Anyone who ever rode Phyllis’ bus route can testify firsthand to her don’t-mess-around attitude.
Speaking of his own upbringing, Jon explained, “both my parents raised me to do things right. They instilled a very sound work ethic in me and all my brothers and sisters. We were taught to be honest and straightforward.”
Throughout the project Chiglo was heralded by the media and his superiors for his matter of fact attitude, the direct, honest way he answered questions, and the sincere look in the eye that accompanies everything he says. “It comes from where I grew up,” explained Chiglo. These qualities made Chiglo the perfect choice for a position where restoring public trust was a high priority.
When asked of any other influences, Harold Olson and Ken Van Den Boom were mentioned. Both served as teachers and coaches to Chiglo in high school. Teacher and neighbor, Terry Mulins, also provided Chiglo with inspiration. Chiglo stated, “He is someone I have a great deal of respect and admiration from his experience with cancer.”
Throughout the project, Nester collected related news articles from the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and other local papers and now has enough content to nearly fill two scrapbooks. His growing collection of memorabilia also includes magazine articles from Popular Mechanics, Roads & Bridges, and Minnesota, a University of Minnesota Alumni publication. That’s not to mention the hours of video tape from television interviews featuring Jon. On one occasion, Nester got an up close view of the work. “We were up there a couple of times and Jon gave me a hard hat, vest, and glasses and I was watching how they were doing stuff.”
Even in spending only a short amount of time with Nester and Phyllis, one can quickly see the pride they have in their son.
“Jon has a lot of determination. He likes challenge. He’s not afraid to take on something,” said Phyliss about why Jon was a good choice for the position.
Now that the 35W project is nearing completion, Chiglo foresees opportunities working in a statewide role. The state legislature provided money to replace bridges throughout the state. His new job will be managing the proposed statewide bridge replacement projects. Further stimulus packages are being heavily discussed by President Elect Obama and could potentially free up more funds for infrastructure improvements in which Chiglo could play a role.
While for many the horror and disbelief of the 35W bridge collapse will not soon be forgotten, the thorough and timely response that ensued has given Minnesotans hope for a safer future thanks to the dedication and leadership of Jon Chiglo and his crew. Mix two parts determination, one party honesty, a supportive family, and top it off with a Caledonia upbringing and you’ve created a recipe for success.
For Jon Chiglo, Caledonia native and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) engineer, disbelief is only the beginning of the story. Twenty-four hours later he would be called upon by Khani Sahebjam, MnDOT’s deputy commissioner and chief engineer to be the project manager for the $235 million reconstruction of a bridge that would likely receive more public attention and scrutiny than any project in the history of the department. It was to this project he would devote his life over the next year and few months, often times working around the clock.
Chiglo first learned of the bridge collapse while on his way to a bar to meet some friends. His wife, Sherri, a photographer for the St Paul Pioneer Press, called and told him the news after she was called back to work to photograph the catastrophe.
“I told her it couldn’t have been a bridge, must have been a piece of a bridge. I walked into the bar and asked the bartender to turn the channel to a local news station. The whole restaurant went quiet. Disbelief. Engineers are supposed to instill confidence in what they build. We lost a lot of trust and confidence in our industry and department,” explained Chiglo.
The loss of the 35W bridge was calculated to cost $400,000 per day in lost revenue. While rebuilding the bridge became MnDOT’s number one goal, of equal importance was rebuilding public confidence. Suddenly the infrastructure carrying Minnesotans to and from work was no longer taken for granted by people like you and I.
In commenting on the department’s desire to restore public trust, Chiglo pointed out they never turned down an interview. “Communication was the biggest challenge. We didn’t have opportunities to make mistakes. We focused on being accessible, communicating clearly, and in a timely matter. As a result the public and press have been very appreciative of the amount of effort.” Appreciative press includes myself who stole half an hour of his precious time for one more interview.
While Chiglo realizes that rebuilding confidence and trust will not result from this project alone, he views the transparency and attention to public concern as an important first step forward.
On any given day Chiglo could be found making sure any project issues were resolved in a timely manner, responding to contractor’s questions, working with other departments to make informed decisions, managing design and construction, meeting with the public, answering questions for the press, talking with legislators, or on some days, all of the above. Even now, 3 months after the bridge has reopened, he continues to work on the project tying up loose ends.
When asked how he handled the stress, Chiglo is quick to point toward his family.
“Sisters, brothers, parents, and especially Sherri were all very supportive of what I was doing. When you have that support it helps get your mind off of things.”
For Chiglo, the most rewarding aspect was accomplishing the main project goals of building it safely, at high quality, and on schedule. In fact, not a single lost time incident was reported during the construction project, a feat in itself. He credits much of the success to the crew working with him.
“There existed an enormous amount of doubt that we could accomplish what we were saying we were trying to accomplish. About 75% of the public doubted we could build it by the end of December.”
When the bridge opened September 18th, over 3 months before the December 24th deadline, news stories turned from doubt to astonishment. Despite the quick construction, MnDOT officials assured the public every step of the way quality was not sacrificed for speed.
The new bridge features a 100-year lifespan, 10 lanes of traffic plus wide shoulders, room to accommodate future light rail expansion, energy efficient LED lighting, 48,700 cubic yards of highly durable concrete, 17 million pounds of rebar, redundancy measures, and an assortment of sensors to continually monitor temperature and stress changes. The bridge’s automated anti-icing system is activated when temperature, humidity, and wind speed reach specified levels as monitored by these sensors.
Chiglo graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with a bachelors of science degree in civil engineering. He began his career working in Rochester doing surveying and bridge maintenance and later oversaw construction and design projects in Owatonna. When funding opened up for the Highway 52 project in Rochester, he was instated as the project manager for development. Next he moved on to manage the Highway 212 project in the southwest metro area before being called upon to manage the 35W Bridge reconstruction.
Much of his inspiration for becoming an engineer came from his father, Nester. Nester spent 34 years working for the soil conservation service on erosion control by building dams and laying out contour strips for area farmers. While it was his dad’s influence that interested him in engineering, his mother, Phyllis, was a driving force as well. When not busy with sports, Phyllis encouraged her children to work, work hard, and do the job right or not do it at all. For Jon, that started as mowing neighborhood lawns.
“We wanted to keep them busy so they would stay out of trouble,” explained Phyllis. “They always told me I made them work too hard,” she stated with a grin. “Kids learn a lot if they have to work and earn their own money.” Anyone who ever rode Phyllis’ bus route can testify firsthand to her don’t-mess-around attitude.
Speaking of his own upbringing, Jon explained, “both my parents raised me to do things right. They instilled a very sound work ethic in me and all my brothers and sisters. We were taught to be honest and straightforward.”
Throughout the project Chiglo was heralded by the media and his superiors for his matter of fact attitude, the direct, honest way he answered questions, and the sincere look in the eye that accompanies everything he says. “It comes from where I grew up,” explained Chiglo. These qualities made Chiglo the perfect choice for a position where restoring public trust was a high priority.
When asked of any other influences, Harold Olson and Ken Van Den Boom were mentioned. Both served as teachers and coaches to Chiglo in high school. Teacher and neighbor, Terry Mulins, also provided Chiglo with inspiration. Chiglo stated, “He is someone I have a great deal of respect and admiration from his experience with cancer.”
Throughout the project, Nester collected related news articles from the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and other local papers and now has enough content to nearly fill two scrapbooks. His growing collection of memorabilia also includes magazine articles from Popular Mechanics, Roads & Bridges, and Minnesota, a University of Minnesota Alumni publication. That’s not to mention the hours of video tape from television interviews featuring Jon. On one occasion, Nester got an up close view of the work. “We were up there a couple of times and Jon gave me a hard hat, vest, and glasses and I was watching how they were doing stuff.”
Even in spending only a short amount of time with Nester and Phyllis, one can quickly see the pride they have in their son.
“Jon has a lot of determination. He likes challenge. He’s not afraid to take on something,” said Phyliss about why Jon was a good choice for the position.
Now that the 35W project is nearing completion, Chiglo foresees opportunities working in a statewide role. The state legislature provided money to replace bridges throughout the state. His new job will be managing the proposed statewide bridge replacement projects. Further stimulus packages are being heavily discussed by President Elect Obama and could potentially free up more funds for infrastructure improvements in which Chiglo could play a role.
While for many the horror and disbelief of the 35W bridge collapse will not soon be forgotten, the thorough and timely response that ensued has given Minnesotans hope for a safer future thanks to the dedication and leadership of Jon Chiglo and his crew. Mix two parts determination, one party honesty, a supportive family, and top it off with a Caledonia upbringing and you’ve created a recipe for success.
Buege suffers heart attack, thanks those who helped save his life
Thank you; a simple phrase we learn early in life to be used to show appreciation and gratitude ranging from the simplest things to some of the most important. If someone holds open a door for you, tell them thank you. If you are given a gift, write a thank you note. If a friend wishes you well, say thank you and return the greeting. If someone saves your life, tell them thank you over and over again, because where other words fail to express the debt of gratitude owed, thank you says it all.
For Wayne Buege, who suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest November 26th, thank yous abounded as he met the rescuers from the Caledonia Ambulance crew who assisted in saving his life. As he entered the ambulance station to applause, thank you was repeated at least a dozen times before he took a seat to tell his story to an attentive and curious audience.
Buege, a 75 years old retired mail carrier, suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest, or a stopping of the heart, the day before Thanksgiving while at the weekly SEMCAC senior dining hosted at the Methodist Church.
In recounting the events, he stated, “the last thing I remember is cleaning the tables. The next thing I knew it was Friday morning.”
Previously Buege had no history of heart trouble. Looking back, he recalls a pain in his arm the day before, which he noticed while putting Christmas decorations on the outside of their house.
“I thought it was from lifting the darn thing,” he explained. “I thought maybe I pulled a muscle. I felt like I strained myself a little bit.”
The slight arm pain, considered by doctors a common heart attack warning sign, stayed with Buege through the night but with no previous heart problems, he never imagined it could be heart related. While cleaning up the church hall after dinner on Wednesday, he began to feel dizzy. Before he could sit down, however, he fell to the floor. Immediately someone called 911. Buege’s wife, Gretchen, was in the bathroom when she heard her name being called.
“Wayne just collapsed!” yelled Joyce Bolduan.
Gretchen, alongside Mary Ellen Lapham, approached Wayne and tried to wake him.
“Come on Wayne, come on, wake up!” Gretchen prodded while remaining calm.
Together they began to push on his chest to provide blood circulation. Lapham remembered CPR basics from training years ago when she was a teacher.
“I was on one side and she on the other and I would push on his chest and we were so happy when he would give a big sigh,” Lapham explained. “I knew we had to get some air in his lungs.”
Within minutes Mike Tornstrom, Caledonia Ambulance Director and EMT, arrived on the scene and took over CPR. Immediately after, the ambulance arrived with Karen Goetzinger, Traci Heaney, and Mary Betz who brought in the defibrilator and helped with the CPR. The defibrilator, brand new to the department, quickly analyzed Wayne’s heart and provided one shock. Less than four minutes later Wayne had a pulse and a couple minutes after that began to breath again by himself. In the meantime, he was loaded in the ambulance and driven toward LaCrosse. Caledonia Amublance met Tri-State Amublance at the junction of highways 44 and 20 where he was transferred into their care and was administered stabilizing medications.
Tornstrom explained, “It was the best response we had so quickly. The whole thing was absolutely text book. Everything went just like clockwork which we train for and when it goes well it’s a good thing.”
According to the American Heart Association, only 6.4 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive. The odds were certainly against Buege in that respect. However, the proximity to the ambulance station and quick arrival of help worked in his favor. Tornstrom explained that most important to his survival was the CPR given beforehand by Gretchen and Mary Ellen, a point he expressed repeatedly. To that end, Gretchen was presented with a certificate stating “The Caledonia Ambulance Service honors Mrs Wayne Buege for her heroic efforts for performing CPR to a cardiac arrest victim. Because of your efforts, the beat goes on.” Mary Ellen Lapham will receive a similar certificate for her efforts as well.
Buege remained in the hospital for a week before being released. Gretchen recalled the first words Wayne spoke after waking up being, “Did I fall down? Am I in the hospital?”
When someone asked Buege if he felt any pain in his chest afterwards from the CPR, he responded that he did not, only to be quickly corrected by Gretchen.
“Now you just don’t remember. When you were in the hospital you were coughing and doing an awful lot and complaining about the pain.”
Doctors gave Buege a pace maker and internal defibrilator. He says he feels good now, and aside from a few extra medications, life for Buege continues on like before. When asked if anything has changed since the incident, he said he cut back on the amount of salt he puts on his food.
He continued, stating, “You don’t take it for granted like you used to.” Whether or not that was in reference to salted food, or life in general, one can clearly see the joy of life in Wayne’s smile these days.
Tornstrom described the evening and the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Buege as inspiring.
“So many times we run amublance calls and wonder how things turn out,” Tornstrom said. “Many times we run calls and are the ones who care for people at the most unfortunate time in their life and you never know what happens after that. It is an honor for us. Inspiring, very inspiring.”
The approximately 20 Caledonia Ambulance EMTs and First Responders present used the opportunity to ask Buege questions and learn more about his symptoms and experiences afterwards.
Citing Buege’s full recovery as an indicator of Caledonia Ambulance’s effectiveness coupled with a record 341 ambulance runs in 2008, Tornstrom sees the Caledonia Ambulance service as a must have for the community. Right now the city has a contract with Tri-State ambulance to provide advanced medical attention such as Buege received in route to the hospital.
“We are the people from the community serving the people from our community, explained Tornstrom. “The way the system works now is designed perfectly.”
Now that Wayne is no longer in the hospital, Gretchen has breathed a sigh of relief. She mentioned the seriousness of the matter never really hit her until they were home again and things calmed down. Throughout the hospital stay, she maintained an optimistic and strong willed attitude present from the moment Wayne collapsed and she demanded he wake up.
Commenting on her involvement, Lapham stated, “I think Wayne has given me a lot of credit but I don’t know if I deserve it. He even brought me over some Christmas cookies.”
While to most people, a life seems worth much more than a simple thank you and plate of Christmas cookies, to Caledonia Ambulance personnel, Lapham, and Gretchen, seeing Wayne smiling and back on his feet is all the thank you they need.
For Wayne Buege, who suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest November 26th, thank yous abounded as he met the rescuers from the Caledonia Ambulance crew who assisted in saving his life. As he entered the ambulance station to applause, thank you was repeated at least a dozen times before he took a seat to tell his story to an attentive and curious audience.
Buege, a 75 years old retired mail carrier, suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest, or a stopping of the heart, the day before Thanksgiving while at the weekly SEMCAC senior dining hosted at the Methodist Church.
In recounting the events, he stated, “the last thing I remember is cleaning the tables. The next thing I knew it was Friday morning.”
Previously Buege had no history of heart trouble. Looking back, he recalls a pain in his arm the day before, which he noticed while putting Christmas decorations on the outside of their house.
“I thought it was from lifting the darn thing,” he explained. “I thought maybe I pulled a muscle. I felt like I strained myself a little bit.”
The slight arm pain, considered by doctors a common heart attack warning sign, stayed with Buege through the night but with no previous heart problems, he never imagined it could be heart related. While cleaning up the church hall after dinner on Wednesday, he began to feel dizzy. Before he could sit down, however, he fell to the floor. Immediately someone called 911. Buege’s wife, Gretchen, was in the bathroom when she heard her name being called.
“Wayne just collapsed!” yelled Joyce Bolduan.
Gretchen, alongside Mary Ellen Lapham, approached Wayne and tried to wake him.
“Come on Wayne, come on, wake up!” Gretchen prodded while remaining calm.
Together they began to push on his chest to provide blood circulation. Lapham remembered CPR basics from training years ago when she was a teacher.
“I was on one side and she on the other and I would push on his chest and we were so happy when he would give a big sigh,” Lapham explained. “I knew we had to get some air in his lungs.”
Within minutes Mike Tornstrom, Caledonia Ambulance Director and EMT, arrived on the scene and took over CPR. Immediately after, the ambulance arrived with Karen Goetzinger, Traci Heaney, and Mary Betz who brought in the defibrilator and helped with the CPR. The defibrilator, brand new to the department, quickly analyzed Wayne’s heart and provided one shock. Less than four minutes later Wayne had a pulse and a couple minutes after that began to breath again by himself. In the meantime, he was loaded in the ambulance and driven toward LaCrosse. Caledonia Amublance met Tri-State Amublance at the junction of highways 44 and 20 where he was transferred into their care and was administered stabilizing medications.
Tornstrom explained, “It was the best response we had so quickly. The whole thing was absolutely text book. Everything went just like clockwork which we train for and when it goes well it’s a good thing.”
According to the American Heart Association, only 6.4 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive. The odds were certainly against Buege in that respect. However, the proximity to the ambulance station and quick arrival of help worked in his favor. Tornstrom explained that most important to his survival was the CPR given beforehand by Gretchen and Mary Ellen, a point he expressed repeatedly. To that end, Gretchen was presented with a certificate stating “The Caledonia Ambulance Service honors Mrs Wayne Buege for her heroic efforts for performing CPR to a cardiac arrest victim. Because of your efforts, the beat goes on.” Mary Ellen Lapham will receive a similar certificate for her efforts as well.
Buege remained in the hospital for a week before being released. Gretchen recalled the first words Wayne spoke after waking up being, “Did I fall down? Am I in the hospital?”
When someone asked Buege if he felt any pain in his chest afterwards from the CPR, he responded that he did not, only to be quickly corrected by Gretchen.
“Now you just don’t remember. When you were in the hospital you were coughing and doing an awful lot and complaining about the pain.”
Doctors gave Buege a pace maker and internal defibrilator. He says he feels good now, and aside from a few extra medications, life for Buege continues on like before. When asked if anything has changed since the incident, he said he cut back on the amount of salt he puts on his food.
He continued, stating, “You don’t take it for granted like you used to.” Whether or not that was in reference to salted food, or life in general, one can clearly see the joy of life in Wayne’s smile these days.
Tornstrom described the evening and the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Buege as inspiring.
“So many times we run amublance calls and wonder how things turn out,” Tornstrom said. “Many times we run calls and are the ones who care for people at the most unfortunate time in their life and you never know what happens after that. It is an honor for us. Inspiring, very inspiring.”
The approximately 20 Caledonia Ambulance EMTs and First Responders present used the opportunity to ask Buege questions and learn more about his symptoms and experiences afterwards.
Citing Buege’s full recovery as an indicator of Caledonia Ambulance’s effectiveness coupled with a record 341 ambulance runs in 2008, Tornstrom sees the Caledonia Ambulance service as a must have for the community. Right now the city has a contract with Tri-State ambulance to provide advanced medical attention such as Buege received in route to the hospital.
“We are the people from the community serving the people from our community, explained Tornstrom. “The way the system works now is designed perfectly.”
Now that Wayne is no longer in the hospital, Gretchen has breathed a sigh of relief. She mentioned the seriousness of the matter never really hit her until they were home again and things calmed down. Throughout the hospital stay, she maintained an optimistic and strong willed attitude present from the moment Wayne collapsed and she demanded he wake up.
Commenting on her involvement, Lapham stated, “I think Wayne has given me a lot of credit but I don’t know if I deserve it. He even brought me over some Christmas cookies.”
While to most people, a life seems worth much more than a simple thank you and plate of Christmas cookies, to Caledonia Ambulance personnel, Lapham, and Gretchen, seeing Wayne smiling and back on his feet is all the thank you they need.
Johnson battles lung cancer, high radon levels discovered in home
“It all started back in July. I had a cough and could not get rid of it,” recalls Mark Johnson, a farmer near Spring Grove, discussing the events leading to his diagnosis with lung cancer in December. “The over-the-counter stuff didn’t work. After awhile my family said I should go and get it checked out.”
The cough continued throughout the fall and on November 26, the day before Thanksgiving and after most of his field work was done, Johnson went to the doctor.
“They wanted to do a chest x-ray to look for pneumonia,” he explained. When doctors saw questionable images on the x-ray they did a CT scan for further observation. On December 18, the phone call came with the results; the growth in his lungs causing his chronic coughing was lung cancer. Already diagnosed as stage three cancer, chemotherapy would be the only option.
Lung cancer is most commonly associated with people who smoke. Never having been a smoker himself, or even exposed to much second hand smoke, Johnson was left puzzled by the diagnosis, along with the suite of other emotions a person experiences upon learning such news.
“It takes you by surprise when you get diagnosed like this,” Johnson added, an understatement by most standards.
Since Johnson does not smoke, doctors questioned other factors known to cause lung cancer, radon exposure being the number one cause after smoking. Inspired by the doctor’s question as to whether they had ever tested radon levels in their home, the Johnson’s decided to test their house with a simple testing kit purchased at a home improvement store, something they always thought they should do but never got around to. The results came back as 11.5 picoCuries/Liter (pCi/L). The EPA maximum recommended level for radon is 4 pCi/L, above which risk for lung cancer is elevated.
Pointing at a specific cause for any type of cancer is difficult considering the uncertainties surrounding the disease, but past research correlating high radon levels and lung cancer seems to suggest a correlation between Johnson’s cancer and the high radon levels found in their 1910 farmhouse located northwest of Spring Grove. Mark grew up in this house and now continues to make it his home with his wife Kari and three children Brook, Derek, and Elizabeth.
How it works
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, tasteless gas created from the decay of uranium in the soils and bedrock beneath us. All rock contains at least small quantities of uranium. Rocks such as the sedimentary limestones and sandstones that characterize the local geology can contain more concentrated levels of uranium, up to one hundred times as much as other types of bedrock.
Over time, uranium in these rocks naturally decays, emitting radon gas. Slowly, radon gas rises through the soils and is dispersed into the atmosphere. As a result, radon is present outdoors but in small, safe levels. Concentrated radon in enclosures, such as underground mines, caves, or even our homes, however, can cause lung cancer according to a growing body of research. This connection was discovered when it was noticed that underground uranium miners died of lung cancer at high rates. Locally, the karst geology, characterized by caves, sinkholes and fractured rock, creates conduits for increased radon movement to the earth’s surface and into our homes.
Radon gas makes its way into homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, around loose fitted pipes, or even through semi-permeable materials to gaseous substances such as block, brick, or concrete walls. Anywhere there is even a small opening between the home and the soil there exists potential for radon entry. Once inside, radon accumulates in higher concentrations in homes due to restricted ventilation, especially in the winter time when homes are sealed up tight for heat efficiency.
Decaying radon gives off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled in the lungs, these particles can damage the cells lining the lung, spurring cancerous growth. It is estimated between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths occurring each year nationwide are the fault of radon exposure.
The average radon level for Houston County homes is estimated to be 5.5 pCi/L. According to sample testing, half of all Houston County homes are likely to be above the level of 4 pCi/L. In other nearby counties conditions are even worse. Average indoor radon levels are estimated to be 7.6 pCi/L in Allamakee Cty., 8.1 pCi/L in Winneshiek Cty., 5.6 pCi/L in Winona Cty., 6 pCi/L in Olmsted Cty., 3.8 pCi/L in La Crosse Cty., and 9.9 pCi/L in Fillmore Cty. while the national average is a meager 1.3 pCi/L.
At 10 pCi/L, approximately the conditions recorded in the Johnson household, it is estimated 18 of every 1,000 people exposed will develop lung cancer.
Testing for radon
Testing for radon is simple and periodically encouraged by health officials but regularly one of those things people put off. Heather Myhre, of Houston County’s public health department, said “now is a great time to test while the ground is frozen, it forces the gas to find a different way to escape to the atmosphere so it does come into the home. We’ve been offering testing here for 4-5 years. We have a grant right now that allows us to do testing free of charge.”
Myhre explained, “any home is in danger.” That newer homes are safe is a “misconception we hear quite a bit. We encourage anybody to test regardless of the age of their home.”
Although discovering if your house has high levels of radon is straightforward, mitigation measures are a little more challenging and costly.
Jeff Engen, of Engen construction in Mabel, is a licensed radon mitigator in Minn. Iowa, and Wisc. He estimates radon mitigation costs to range from $1,200 to $2,800 depending on the scope of the project. In the three dozen or so radon projects he has worked on, he has seen houses display radon levels in the 20s and 30s and lots of times they are at least above 10 pCi/L.
In correcting a radon problem, Engen explained the goal is to “create a negative pressure under the floor so you’re sucking radon from out underneath the house” and then “to route that radon from underneath the home to the outside atmosphere.” After mitigation measures are put in place, he returns to retest the house and if radon levels are still not satisfactory, he will alter the system until he achieves the goal.
No legislation currently requires mitigation for homes with high levels of radon but recently a bill was passed through the legislature requiring new homes to have radon mitigation measures installed during construction, a cheaper alternative to installing the systems after-the-fact.
Johnson remains hopeful
With an estimated 15% survival rate, lung cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. Even the chances chemotherapy will work right away are as low as 30%.
Despite the less than optimistic odds, Johnson remains hopeful.
“We met with the doctor yesterday and had some good news; it is starting to shrink,” he stated with a hopeful smile, referring to the cancerous growth in his lungs. “That’s a good thing,” he nodded. This news is the first sign of hope in more than two months.
After two complete rounds of chemotherapy, his coughing has also disappeared, another good sign doctors suggest.
In explaining how he remains so optimistic he stated, “Like anything you always worry. I hope that being young is on my side. There’s so many things out there they can do for you. They have such a vast variety of drugs, it’s hard not to be optimistic. When you have a family you have to be positive. After having a good report yesterday, I’m at least heading the direction I should be going.”
Initially the news was hard on everyone in the family, but Mark said, “they seem to be handling it pretty well after the initial shock. We’re excited to hear good news for once.” Staying busy is key to remaining optimistic and attending all of his children’s basketball games from day one has been a good distraction.
Mark and Kari are currently retesting their home for radon to verify the initial results. Regardless of the outcome, Mark intends to take some sort of mitigation action. “If the possibility is there (for dangerous radon levels) I certainly want to do something for the rest of my family, to make sure they’re safe,” asserted Johnson.
“I would highly suggest everyone should test for radon,” Johnson encouraged. “We are in an area known for it. Definitely get it checked out to make sure. Everybody should be looking into it to be on the safe side.”
“Go ahead and do it,” was Myhre’s encouragement to the homeowner, echoing the sentiments of Johnson. “We have the resources here and they are free. Do it while you are thinking about it. Hopefully you’ll be pleasantly surprised and it’s okay.”
“A lot of times you take life for granted,” Johnson said reflecting on the position he finds himself in. “You make time for those things you didn’t have time for before. Some of the things you thought were important aren’t really.”
“It’s really nice to have all the support you get from community, friends, and family. We are very fortunate to be in a small community where people really do care,” Johnson gratefully added.
And if there were one thing small towns are best at, its supporting community members in times of need.
For more information regarding radon testing or mitigation, contact the Houston County Public Health office at 725-5810 or stop by to pick up your free test kit. They will also be hosting informational meetings on radon Tues., Feb. 17 from 4-6 p.m. in the courthouse basement and Tues., Feb. 24 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Church in La Crescent.
The cough continued throughout the fall and on November 26, the day before Thanksgiving and after most of his field work was done, Johnson went to the doctor.
“They wanted to do a chest x-ray to look for pneumonia,” he explained. When doctors saw questionable images on the x-ray they did a CT scan for further observation. On December 18, the phone call came with the results; the growth in his lungs causing his chronic coughing was lung cancer. Already diagnosed as stage three cancer, chemotherapy would be the only option.
Lung cancer is most commonly associated with people who smoke. Never having been a smoker himself, or even exposed to much second hand smoke, Johnson was left puzzled by the diagnosis, along with the suite of other emotions a person experiences upon learning such news.
“It takes you by surprise when you get diagnosed like this,” Johnson added, an understatement by most standards.
Since Johnson does not smoke, doctors questioned other factors known to cause lung cancer, radon exposure being the number one cause after smoking. Inspired by the doctor’s question as to whether they had ever tested radon levels in their home, the Johnson’s decided to test their house with a simple testing kit purchased at a home improvement store, something they always thought they should do but never got around to. The results came back as 11.5 picoCuries/Liter (pCi/L). The EPA maximum recommended level for radon is 4 pCi/L, above which risk for lung cancer is elevated.
Pointing at a specific cause for any type of cancer is difficult considering the uncertainties surrounding the disease, but past research correlating high radon levels and lung cancer seems to suggest a correlation between Johnson’s cancer and the high radon levels found in their 1910 farmhouse located northwest of Spring Grove. Mark grew up in this house and now continues to make it his home with his wife Kari and three children Brook, Derek, and Elizabeth.
How it works
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, tasteless gas created from the decay of uranium in the soils and bedrock beneath us. All rock contains at least small quantities of uranium. Rocks such as the sedimentary limestones and sandstones that characterize the local geology can contain more concentrated levels of uranium, up to one hundred times as much as other types of bedrock.
Over time, uranium in these rocks naturally decays, emitting radon gas. Slowly, radon gas rises through the soils and is dispersed into the atmosphere. As a result, radon is present outdoors but in small, safe levels. Concentrated radon in enclosures, such as underground mines, caves, or even our homes, however, can cause lung cancer according to a growing body of research. This connection was discovered when it was noticed that underground uranium miners died of lung cancer at high rates. Locally, the karst geology, characterized by caves, sinkholes and fractured rock, creates conduits for increased radon movement to the earth’s surface and into our homes.
Radon gas makes its way into homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, around loose fitted pipes, or even through semi-permeable materials to gaseous substances such as block, brick, or concrete walls. Anywhere there is even a small opening between the home and the soil there exists potential for radon entry. Once inside, radon accumulates in higher concentrations in homes due to restricted ventilation, especially in the winter time when homes are sealed up tight for heat efficiency.
Decaying radon gives off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled in the lungs, these particles can damage the cells lining the lung, spurring cancerous growth. It is estimated between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths occurring each year nationwide are the fault of radon exposure.
The average radon level for Houston County homes is estimated to be 5.5 pCi/L. According to sample testing, half of all Houston County homes are likely to be above the level of 4 pCi/L. In other nearby counties conditions are even worse. Average indoor radon levels are estimated to be 7.6 pCi/L in Allamakee Cty., 8.1 pCi/L in Winneshiek Cty., 5.6 pCi/L in Winona Cty., 6 pCi/L in Olmsted Cty., 3.8 pCi/L in La Crosse Cty., and 9.9 pCi/L in Fillmore Cty. while the national average is a meager 1.3 pCi/L.
At 10 pCi/L, approximately the conditions recorded in the Johnson household, it is estimated 18 of every 1,000 people exposed will develop lung cancer.
Testing for radon
Testing for radon is simple and periodically encouraged by health officials but regularly one of those things people put off. Heather Myhre, of Houston County’s public health department, said “now is a great time to test while the ground is frozen, it forces the gas to find a different way to escape to the atmosphere so it does come into the home. We’ve been offering testing here for 4-5 years. We have a grant right now that allows us to do testing free of charge.”
Myhre explained, “any home is in danger.” That newer homes are safe is a “misconception we hear quite a bit. We encourage anybody to test regardless of the age of their home.”
Although discovering if your house has high levels of radon is straightforward, mitigation measures are a little more challenging and costly.
Jeff Engen, of Engen construction in Mabel, is a licensed radon mitigator in Minn. Iowa, and Wisc. He estimates radon mitigation costs to range from $1,200 to $2,800 depending on the scope of the project. In the three dozen or so radon projects he has worked on, he has seen houses display radon levels in the 20s and 30s and lots of times they are at least above 10 pCi/L.
In correcting a radon problem, Engen explained the goal is to “create a negative pressure under the floor so you’re sucking radon from out underneath the house” and then “to route that radon from underneath the home to the outside atmosphere.” After mitigation measures are put in place, he returns to retest the house and if radon levels are still not satisfactory, he will alter the system until he achieves the goal.
No legislation currently requires mitigation for homes with high levels of radon but recently a bill was passed through the legislature requiring new homes to have radon mitigation measures installed during construction, a cheaper alternative to installing the systems after-the-fact.
Johnson remains hopeful
With an estimated 15% survival rate, lung cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. Even the chances chemotherapy will work right away are as low as 30%.
Despite the less than optimistic odds, Johnson remains hopeful.
“We met with the doctor yesterday and had some good news; it is starting to shrink,” he stated with a hopeful smile, referring to the cancerous growth in his lungs. “That’s a good thing,” he nodded. This news is the first sign of hope in more than two months.
After two complete rounds of chemotherapy, his coughing has also disappeared, another good sign doctors suggest.
In explaining how he remains so optimistic he stated, “Like anything you always worry. I hope that being young is on my side. There’s so many things out there they can do for you. They have such a vast variety of drugs, it’s hard not to be optimistic. When you have a family you have to be positive. After having a good report yesterday, I’m at least heading the direction I should be going.”
Initially the news was hard on everyone in the family, but Mark said, “they seem to be handling it pretty well after the initial shock. We’re excited to hear good news for once.” Staying busy is key to remaining optimistic and attending all of his children’s basketball games from day one has been a good distraction.
Mark and Kari are currently retesting their home for radon to verify the initial results. Regardless of the outcome, Mark intends to take some sort of mitigation action. “If the possibility is there (for dangerous radon levels) I certainly want to do something for the rest of my family, to make sure they’re safe,” asserted Johnson.
“I would highly suggest everyone should test for radon,” Johnson encouraged. “We are in an area known for it. Definitely get it checked out to make sure. Everybody should be looking into it to be on the safe side.”
“Go ahead and do it,” was Myhre’s encouragement to the homeowner, echoing the sentiments of Johnson. “We have the resources here and they are free. Do it while you are thinking about it. Hopefully you’ll be pleasantly surprised and it’s okay.”
“A lot of times you take life for granted,” Johnson said reflecting on the position he finds himself in. “You make time for those things you didn’t have time for before. Some of the things you thought were important aren’t really.”
“It’s really nice to have all the support you get from community, friends, and family. We are very fortunate to be in a small community where people really do care,” Johnson gratefully added.
And if there were one thing small towns are best at, its supporting community members in times of need.
For more information regarding radon testing or mitigation, contact the Houston County Public Health office at 725-5810 or stop by to pick up your free test kit. They will also be hosting informational meetings on radon Tues., Feb. 17 from 4-6 p.m. in the courthouse basement and Tues., Feb. 24 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Church in La Crescent.
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