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News headlines

Two arrests made in connection with burglaries May 24, 2013

SPIRIT LAKE - Two people have been arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in a rash of vehicle and residence burglaries over the past several months.

During the course of the investigation, Spirit Lake Police conducted searches of multiple residences. Police arrested and charged 21-year-old Christopher Dean Turner and a 15-year-old male juvenile.

Turner was charged with ongoing criminal conduct, 10 counts of third degree burglary, conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor and booked into the Dickinson County Jail.

The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a Youth Emergency Services Detention Center. He was charged with ongoing criminal conduct, 10 counts of third degree burglary, conspiracy and possession of tobacco.

Assisting in the investigation were the Iowa Department of Corrections and the Iowa Juvenile Court Services.

New Riverside principal named May 21, 2013

JACKSON - Joel Timmerman has been named principal at Riverside Elementary School. The Jackson County Central School Board approved the hiring at its regular meeting Monday night.

Timmerman has principal experience in St. Clair, Faribault, Mankato and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.

Dan Beert, who has served as principal for four years, has accepted a position as a principal at Lake Crystal-Welcome Memorial.

Timmerman was one of four finalists from a field of 14 who applied for the position.

Test scores low

Middle School Principal Kari Wilkinson reported that math test score results were the lowest in history at JCC Middle School.

Wilkinson said they are still analyzing the results and waiting to look at comparisons with other districts. Official results have not been released.

The Department of Education experienced technical difficulties during testing. Students can re-take the tests.

Teacher negotiations

Board President Jeff Johnson, a member of the negotiations committee, reported that the negotiators for the district and Education Minnesota JCC have met twice in their work toward a new teacher contract.

In the initial talks, Education Minnesota JCC proposed a salary increase of 3.95 percent plus steps and the board has proposed a salary increase of one percent plus steps.

Another session is scheduled for May 28.

Transportation

Board member Luke Henning reported on transportation issues.

Henning suggested that the district may look at other opportunities regarding transportation services. Options could include the school district owning and operating their own buses, or working with neighboring school districts.

No decision has been made. Discussions continue with Southwest Coaches.

Roof needs replacing

Henning and Kirk Dunlavey, members of the facilities committee, reported that the roof at Pleasantview will need to be replaced or patched. The roof is more than 20 years old.

One quote to replace the roof with a 15-year warranty was $22,500. Repair of the roof would be about $3,000. Henning and Dunlavey suggested replacing the roof.

The matter will come up for action at a future meeting.

Committee chair named

Board member Jodi Thrush, a member of the staff development committee, reported that Tammy Egge is going to serve has chairperson of the that committee.

Sandra Nunez will be vice-chair.

In other action the board approved:

• Hiring Carol Wrightson as a full-time third-grade teacher at Pleasantview Elementary for the 2013-2014. She is the wife of new girls basketball coach and elementary teacher David Wrightson.
• Hiring Molly Strom as an ECFE/Discovery Place Teacher at Riverside.
• The resignation of Samantha Frings, a third-grade teacher at Pleasantview. She has accepted a position in Sioux Falls.
• The resignation of sixth-grade teacher Shane Roenfanz, who has accepted a position with the Okoboji School District.
• The resignation of Kristen Price as a cook’s helper at the high school effect on May 24.
• A resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of Devon Arbuckle, a probationary elementary teacher effective on June 30.
• Family medical leave for speech-language pathologist Brittany Brennan for 12 weeks starting on approximately Sept. 3.
• Seeking bids for milk and bread contracts for 2013-2014.
• The purchase of a 2010 Blue Bird 47-passenger school bus for $50,860.
• The district-wide health and safety policy that includes the health and safety budget for fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015.
• The IEA contract for environmental, health and safety management services for fiscal years 2013-2016.
• The second reading of district policies.

Worthington boy dies in accident near Loon Lake May 20, 2013

JACKSON - A five-year-old Worthington boy died from injuries sustained Saturday in a vehicle-pedestrian accident in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, around 11:22 a.m. Saturday, a report was received a report that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian on County Road 4 at the south end of Loon Lake in Minneota Township.

A 2011 Ford Explorer driven by Marjorie Svoboda of rural Jackson struck Yomi Alexis Castillo of Worthington as he ran across the road directly in front of Svoboda’s vehicle.

Castillo was transported by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare Hospital in Spirit Lake, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Svoboda was not injured and her vehicle sustained minor damage.

Assisting were the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance, Minnesota DNR and Minnesota State Patrol. The investigation which is ongoing.

One injured in rollover May 20, 2013

WORTHINGTON - One person was injured in a one-vehicle rollover at 10:53 p.m. Friday on Highway 91 in Nobles County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 17-year-old Cassie Fuestenberg of Wilmont was driving a 2008 Pontiac north on Highway 91. She attempted to pass another vehicle when her car went too far to the left hitting the gravel shoulder. Fuestenberg overcorrected causing her car to go into the ditch rolling over.

Fuestenberg was taken to the Sanford Luverne Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Severe damage was reported to her car.

The Adrian Police Department, Lismore Fire Department and Adrian Ambulance Department assisted.

Geesman inducted into Lions Hall of Fame May 20, 2013

Lion Guy Geesman (center) receiving his Hall of Fame award from fellow Lions Hall of Fame members Al Nelson and Merv Nosbusch.

JACKSON - Jackson Lions Club member Guy Geesman has been inducted into the Lions Clubs International Multiple District 5M Hall of Fame.

He was one of 12 inductees from Minnesota and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.

Geesman said while he is honored to be inducted. He said the many projects of the club is a team effort.

Geesman has been a Lions member for 38 years.

Geesman joins Al Nelson and Merv Nosbusch as Jackson Lions Club in the Hall of Fame.

Hog barn destroyed in fire May 19, 2013

JACKSON - Fire destroyed a 60x22-foot hog barn on the Ron and Cameron Mulder farm approximately seven miles southwest of Jackson.

There were no hogs in the barn and no one was injured. Jackson Fire Chief Mark Sasker said the fire department received the call around 1:30 p.m.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours.

Renovation project for "The Legend" complete May 18, 2013

Arnolds Park Amusement Park supporters enjoyed the 2013 maiden ride on The Legend Roller Coaster Thursday.

ARNOLDS PARK - Supporters of Arnolds Park Amusement Park were treated to the 2013 maiden ride on The Legend Roller Coaster Thursday.

The coaster underwent a $250,000 renovation project to smooth the ride.

The Amusement Park is open Saturday and Sunday, then begin it's daily season schedule next Saturday.

Two injured in head-on accident May 17, 2013

NORTHROP - Two people were injured in a two-vehicle head-on accident at 12:35 p.m. Thursday on Highway 15 near Northrop.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, involved was a 2013 Ford Explorer driven by 31-year-old Amanda Hallett of Spencer and a 2009 Freightliner driven by 43 year old Todd Handevidt of Fairmont.

Both Hallett and Handevidt were taken to the Fairmont Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

No information was available on the amount of damage to the vehicles.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.

Jackson man dies in motorcycle accident May 14, 2013

JACKSON - A 32-year-old rural Jackson man died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident Monday night in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of State Highway 264 and County Road 4 in Round Lake Township.

Jason Clair Libengood was driving a Yamaha motorcycle west on County Road 4 when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. He entered the south ditch, struck a sign and was thrown from the motorcycle.

Libengood was taken to Sanford Worthington Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The motorcycle was estimated as a total loss.

The accident remains under investigation.

The Nobles county Sheriff’s Department, Round Lake Fire Department and Sanford Worthington Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Another disaster declaration issued May 14, 2013

DES MOINES - Another disaster declaration has been issued in connection with the severe weather that struck northwest Iowa last month.

According to the USDA Farm Service Agency Office, nearly a dozen northwest Iowa counties are part of the Presidential or Secretarial National Disaster Designation.

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was issued for Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux counties as the primary disaster area for severe winter storms from April 9-11. The contiguous counties are Emmet, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Palo Alto and Plymouth.

Farm operators who have sustained major production and/or physical losses caused by severe winter storms and continuing drought conditions may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans. Other programs may also be made available to assist farmers, including the supplemental Revenue Assistance Program due to this designation.

The final date for making application under this designation is Jan. 6, 2014.

Governor catches walleye during opener May 14, 2013

PARK RAPIDS - Governor Mark Dayton caught a walleye during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener Saturday.

Jason Durham, who was the Governor’s host, said Dayton caught the fish shortly after midnight.

Kathy Negorski Leary, communications director for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce caught the largest walleye at 28.5 inches. The second largest walleye at 28 inches was caught by David Leatherman of Minneapolis.

The largest northern measured 26 inches and was caught by Eric Magnuson, while the largest rock bass measured 14 inches and was caught by Eric Cruisin.

The Brainerd Lakes Area will host next year's event, with headquarters at Grandview Lodge on Gull Lake.

Volunteers spruce up Kilen Woods May 11, 2013

In the front row (from left) are Amber Gallaway, Jackson; Jessica Christoffer, Round Lake; and Cheryl Holthe, Jackson. In the back row are Robert Axford, Windom; Chris Gallaway, Jackson; Craig Fransen, Jackson; Harry Knutson, Jackson; Dean Christoffer, Round Lake; Jason Honkomp, Windom DNR. Not pictured is Andrea Christoffer.

JACKSON - Volunteers added their GreenTouch to Kilen Woods State Park near Lakefield last weekend.

At the event, sponsored by Federated Rural Electric, 10 volunteers helped spruce up Kilen Woods. About 15 Touchstone Energy Cooperatives across the state helped promote a clean-up day at the state parks.

“Even with all of the drizzle and rain we still worked at Kilen Woods,” stated Andrea Christoffer, Federated’s marketing and communications manager. “Our volunteers unloaded lumber for replacement footbridges, painted two picnic tables and a sign; we also cleaned the office, chalet/park shelter and swept out the shop. A few volunteers picked up branches and raked a little around the park shelter before it rained harder.”

“I’d like to thank Federated and all the volunteers who participated in GreenTouch,” added Jason Honkomp from Kilen Woods. “It shows that people care about our natural resources and Kilen Woods State Park. Federated and the volunteers help us get ready for the summer picnics, hiking and camping season, donating about 20 hours of work.”

The volunteers received a free hot dog lunch from Federated.

The program is a partnership between Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives and the Minnesota State Park System. Electric cooperatives throughout the state also help fund the State Park guide. Over the last 13 years GreenTouch has organized nearly 7,900 volunteers who donated more than 26,800 hours taking care of Minnesota’s State Parks.

Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that participate in project GreenTouch are part of a group of rural electric cooperatives throughout the state. Touchstone Energy is a co-brand used by cooperatives all over the nation to market what local electric cooperatives stand for: Integrity, Accountability, Community Involvement and Innovation. The state park sponsorship fits well with the Touchstone Energy commitment.

Amber Gallaway and Jessica Christoffer painted picnic tables.

Dean Christoffer and Harry Knutson unloaded lumber that will be used to rebuild footbridges on the trails.

Craig Fransen and Harry Knutson rake up downed sticks from the April ice storm.

Big fish landed May 11, 2013

SPIRIT LAKE - Tim Marker of Jackson landed this 40-inch, 35-pound Muskie on Big Spirit Lake during the Great Walleye Weekend.

He used Fire tiger rap 10-pound test line.

Questions raised about what to do with cable equipment May 10, 2013

JACKSON - Rita Lapic, President of the Jackson Cable TV Board, had some questions for the city council regarding what will be done with the property and equipment of the municipal cable system once its no longer in use after June 1.

Lapic told the council that the system started in 1956 when a group invested $125 apiece to get the cable TV system going. It was then turned over to the City of Jackson to conduct the billing and upkeep. The intent was that the money generated from the system would be reinvested back into the system for upkeep and improvements.

Lapic asked what the city intended to do with the land and equipment and whether they intended to reimburse those who made the original investment into the system, whether it be the original $125, or in today’s value, $1,069.

Lapic said the board was not allowed to be a part of the meetings regarding the change or consulted about changing over to Southwest Minnesota Broadband. She told the council that cable committee should have been involved in those decisions.

City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland asked if records were available stating who the original investors were.

City Attorney Steve Handevidt said the original investors made a donation to a municipal corporation. He said there were people who also donated toward the system in the 1970’s and received lower cable rates for eight years, so in essence received their money back.

Lapic said the issues of what was going to be done with the land and equipment should have been answered before now.

Mayor Wayne Walter told Lapic she had good questions and provided good information. He directed city staff to look into it. The matter will need to be looked at by the utilities commission, which will make a recommendation to the city council.

AGCO breaks ground on three-year expansion project May 8, 2013

Pictured (from left) are Jackson City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland, Jackson County Coordinator Jan Fransen, Jackson Economic Development Corporation President Clayton Lewis, AGCO-Jackson Director Eric Fisher, Mayor Wayne Walter and Jackson County Commissioner Bill Tusa.

JACKSON - Groundbreaking was held Tuesday on a 30,000-square foot addition to the AGCO manufacturing plant in Jackson.

AGCO-Jackson Operations Manager Eric Fisher said the groundbreaking is the first phase in a three-year program that will expand the plant by 100,000 square feet.

AGCO plans to invest an estimated $42 million in infrastructure, increasing production capacity and efficiency in order to help meet growing demand for the tractors and application equipment built there.

The project is made up of seven phases affecting all areas of the facility, including component manufacturing, the tractor assembly line and the application equipment assembly line.

The expansion will create 75 additional permanent jobs, bringing the total number of employees to more than 1,200. The project will increase production capacity by 25 percent for both the tractor and sprayer assembly lines.

Help sought in hit-and-run May 8, 2013

GRAETTINGER - The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in its investigation of a hit-and-run accident Monday at the Country Store in Graettinger.

According to a release, a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owned by Brenda Harding of Graettinger was parked on the south side of the building.

Sometime between 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., the vehicle was side-swiped by an unknown vehicle causing an estimated $800 in damage on the driver’s side.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office in Emmetsburg.