Democracy isn't easy

I just got back from the Tom Emmer rally at the Douglas County Republican headquarters in Alexandria, held at 3:30 today.

I showed up about 10 minutes late (typical) but had plenty to take in when I arrived. On the other side of the street was a young man with a megaphone. A loud one. Even though it was quite windy, it wasn't hard to hear what he was saying.

His mom and sister are both former waitresses; his wife is a waitress. (Guess what he was upset about) I won't be adding much more than that, because I'm in the process of finding out what, if any, laws he broke while protesting. Apparently, the cops were called on a complaint either about what he was doing or what he was saying.

Last I checked, though, this wasn't Nazi Germany. Hopefully we can keep it that way.

**Update at 8:30pm...the gentleman who was protesting gave me a call tonight and reported that he, in fact, was not breaking any laws, and had a nice conversation with a police officer with the Alexandria P.D. about what he was doing. After reviewing the city's noise ordinance, it was determined that he was not breaking any laws.

Chalk one up for the little guy.

• Visit the Herman-Hoffman Tribune website videos page to see a clip of Emmer speaking to his supporters at the headquarters. I just uploaded and edited the taglines at 9:00 tonight.

http://www.hermanhoffmantribune.com/?page_id=432

Tomorrow I'll talk a little bit about what Emmer was saying inside headquarters. Most of it will be on the videos page. I have one of the two clips already loaded. I will give all sorts of credit to the Emmer campaign, his speaking style has gotten very refined and polished. He gave many valid points in what I heard him say.

He still can't shake what he said last July, though. (About cheating restaurant servers out of their wages with a tip credit.)

Tom Emmer will be in Morris and Alexandria for campaign stops tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 29

Republican governor candidate Tom Emmer will visit the heart of west central Minnesota on Wednesday, September 29th, 2010. Emmer will spend the day getting to know the voters and discussing the issues of this economical diverse region of Minnesota.

10-11 am, Willmar GOP Rally, Willmar BPOU Office, 1704 South First South, Willmar MN.

1-2 pm, Morris GOP Rally, Eastside Park, 202 East Seventh Street, Morris MN.

3:30-4:30 pm, Alexandria GOP Rally, Douglas County MnGOP Victory Office, 304 Irving Street, Alexandria MN.

There's a chance I'll see his stop in Willmar in the morning, but I plan for sure to be in Alexandria at 3:30.

Peace Lutheran of Barrett has a backpack mission underway for WCA schools

The Youth of Peace Lutheran Church of Barrett will be doing a mission project during the next two weeks. We are putting together backpacks to be distributed at WCA.

We need your help with donations of backpacks, book covers (large), pencils (kids like the mechanical ones), notebooks, 3-ring binders, erasers, headphones (can be purchased through the school), calculators (6th grade calculators can be purchase through the school also). Any WCA items such as hats and t-shirts. Cash donations will be accepted as well. You donations can be placed on the table by the front door.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

I like it - do you?

It probably doesn't work for the Tea Party...but I don't care what they think.

West Central Area to hold a levy referendum on Election Day

The West Central Area schools are proposing an increase to the local tax levy from $950 per pupil to $1,370 per pupil, for a period of five years.

More information on the levy will be in this week's Herman-Hoffman Tribune.

Knights win Homecoming!

Photo by Jodi Thorson from the first half of the Homecoming game tonight.

West Central Area defeated the visiting Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines to the delight of the home fans in the 18th annual WCA Homecoming game.

Great job, coaches and players. I think they have the ability to win three of their final four games, and a 4-4 season in the final year of competing in the Heart O' Lakes Conference would be something to be proud of.


Tribune sports editor Kris Beuckens gets some birds-eye photos of the Knights logo on the football field.


The Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross Spartans were not as successful in the Chokio-Alberta Homecoming game, as they lost to neighboring rival and state-ranked Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 22-6.

CAHN still has a real shot at running the table before playoffs, and a 6-2 record would give them a #3 seed - I'd rate that as very favorable for their section.

Heart O' Lakes Conference Week 4 results:
Thief River Falls 23, East Grand Forks 14
Warroad 28, Pelican Rapids 12
Breckenridge 28, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 20
Staples-Motley 52, Roseau 14
Pequot Lakes 36, Park Rapids Area 0
Crookston 34, Perham 14

Area football results in Week 4:
Royalton 43, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg 0
Browerville 27, Upsala/Swanville Area 12
Ottertail Central 35, Osakis 13 (Osakis is 1-3, OTC is 4-0)
Minneota 54, Canby 0
BOLD 35, Minnewaska Area 0 ('Waska hasn't scored since Week 1! Ouch)
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City 27, Paynesville Area 6
Montevideo 21, Yellow Medicine East 0
Lac qui Parle Valley 9, Morris Area 7 (LQPV's first win since Oct 8, 2004 vs. Morris)
Mora 25, Sauk Centre 6
Albany 28, New London-Spicer 6 (NL-S's first loss since Nov. 14, 2008)
St.Cloud Cathedral 12, Foley 7
Milaca 52, Melrose Area 36

Area 9-man scores:
Bertha-Hewitt 48, Eagle Valley 20
Wheaton 50, Lincoln HI 7
Bertha-Hewitt 48, Eagle Valley 20
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 55, Verndale 6
Underwood 61, Ashby 8
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 22, Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross 6

Mark your calendars - Governor candidates coming to Alexandria for a debate on Monday, Oct. 4

The governor candidates Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer, and Tom Horner will be debating in our area, coming up on Monday, Oct. 4 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Alexandria Technical College. The event will take place at ATC's Room 743, the Information and Technology Building.

The event is free of charge, although only the first 200 people will be admitted due to fire marshal limits on how many the room will hold.

Below, the leading candidate for my endorsement

My comments: The Tom Horner/Jim Mulder ticket is the only team in the race stressing the need for more parent involvement in our children's education. Until we stress that point, everything else is meaningless. We need a governor who will focus on the correct issues, instead of one who will cut education into oblivion or spend our state into a bottomless hole.

USDA Biofuels Report meeting is underway at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris

Forum panelists, L to R: Ralph Groschen with the Minnesota Department of Ag, Mark Lindquist with the Minnesota DNR, Michael Sparby of Morris representing AURI, Joel Tallaksen with the WCROC in Morris, Tim Welle from the Biobusiness Alliance of Minnesota, and Andy Zurn from the CVEC ethanol plant in Benson.


Below, a couple video clips from the beginning of the meeting this morning...Mike Reese welcomes the crowd to Morris.

Well this is just crazy - both the Warriors and the Knights volleyball teams lose five-game battles tonight in conference matches

A tough, tough five-game loss for the West Central Area Knights volleyball team tonight, during an exciting Homecoming match against HOL conference rival Breckenridge. They'll regroup to host Frazee (6-4) in another HOL battle Thursday at the WCA High School - come out and support your Knights this week!

Breckenridge improves to 7-5 overall and 2-1 in the HOL Conference with the win.

The other volleyball team in our coverage area, Wheaton/Herman-Norcross, dropped a Pheasant Conference match in Wheaton to Hancock - also in five games! The Warriors were up 2-1 in games before losing the final two sets. Scores were 13-25, 25-19, 25-17, 14-25, 9-15.

USDA to host Biofuels meeting in Morris on Sept. 23

The USDA Food and Agriculture Council (FAC) in Minnesota invite you to attend a USDA Biofuels Report Outreach Meeting on Thursday, September 23, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Renewable Energy Research & Demonstration Center on the grounds of the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research & Outreach Center, 46352 State Hwy 329, Morris, MN 56267. On June 23rd, 2010, the USDA Energy Council published a report titled “A USDA Regional Roadmap to Meeting the Biofuels Goals of the Renewable Fuels Standard by 2022.” In this report, the Energy Council summarized the current biofuels production capacity of the United States and outlined the size and scope of investments necessary to ensure that by 2022 the American economy is capable of fulfilling the U.S. Renewable Fuels Standards mandate of not only producing, but also using, 36 billion gallons of renewable transportation fuel per year.

One of the purposes of this report was to spur discussions and produce feedback from concerned citizens and stakeholders. In order to capture some of that feedback, Secretary Vilsack directed Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Jonathan Coppess, current chairman of the National Food and Agriculture Council (NFAC); to leverage State FAC’s to hold outreach meetings regarding the Secretary’s Biofuels Plan.

Both W/HN and WCA will host conference volleyball clashes tonight

WHN hosts Hancock in Wheaton for a battle of Pheasant Conference unbeatens.

Over in Barrett, the West Central Area Knights volleyball team will entertain Heart O' Lakes Conference rival Breckenridge. The Cowgirls are 6-5 overall.

Congratulations to Nicole Anderson and Beau Kashmark - the 2010 West Central Area Homecoming Queen and King

Photo by Erin Rudell, WCA senior and yearbook photographer.











The two seniors were crowned at tonight's West Central Area Homecoming coronation at the high school auditorium. Look for more of Erin's photos from today's Homecoming festivities in this week's Herman-Hoffman Tribune, as well as at the Tribune's Dotphoto gallery - www.hermanhoffmantribune.com

Wheaton/Herman-Norcross places fifth in a tough field at the Hawley Tournament over the weekend

At a very good Hawley Tournament this past weekend on Saturday, the Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Warriors volleyball team went 2-2, ultimately placing fifth.

The Warriors (9-3 overall) went 1-2 in pool play. They opened with a 2-1 loss to Frazee, then swept Park Christian, before losing in another extra-set match to state-ranked Ada-Borup in the final pool play match.

In the fifth place match, the Warriors swept the Menagha Braves for their ninth win of the season.

Herman-Norcross sports fans, pack up the car pools and head to Wheaton on Tuesday night for a very important Pheasant Conference volleyball match, as host Wheaton/Herman-Norcross will entertain a very good Hancock Owls team in a showdown between conference unbeatens. The Owls are 10-1 overall, having just won the Minnewaska Tournament on Saturday after tying Perham, sweeping Minnewaska and Ortonville, and then winning an exciting three-set match over Benson in the finals.

18th annual West Central Area Knights Homecoming is this week

Below, a view from the WCA Homecoming Pep Fest held at the West Central Area South elementary school gymnasium in October of 2009.


Visit the Herman-Hoffman Tribune website to read all about the upcoming 2010 WCA Homecoming festivities, now in their 18th year. (Click on the link below the photo)

http://www.hermanhoffmantribune.com/?p=1260

Could it get any better than this? Where does the "Tea Party" find these nut jobs? I feel sorry for the Republican Party, getting saddled with this

Click here to read about Tea Party candidate Christine O'Donnel, a U.S. Senate candidate in Connecticut.

http://www.wctrib.com/event/article/id/72327/

Both local football teams suffer defeats in Week 3 last night

In two all-western Minnesota football games on Friday night, the West Central Area Knights lost 59-0 at Breckenridge, while the Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross Spartans dropped a 22-8 contest in Chokio to neighboring rival Wheaton.

Area football scores:
United North Central 14, Osakis 12
Staples-Motley 28, Warroad 12
Alexandria 27, Fergus Falls 7
Upsala-Swanville Area 47, Parkers Prairie 7
New York Mills 26, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg 13 (K-M-S is 0-3)
Montevideo 26, Benson 20
BOLD 26, Yellow Medicine East 0
Pelican Rapids 20, Wadena-Deer Creek 6
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 20, Perham 6

Area 9-man scores:
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 66, Hancock 14
Bertha-Hewitt 36, Verndale 14
Underwood 46, Eagle Valley 16
Hillcrest Lutheran 52, Ashby 0

Mark Dayton's campaign fails to contact the Herman-Hoffman Tribune regarding his campaign stop in Alexandria today

I am very disappointed that none of Mark Dayton's staffers found time to e-mail me back or give me a call yesterday or today regarding their stop in Alexandria.

I'll continue trying to contact the Dayton campaign, to let them know that my small towns exist too.

Stay tuned.

New broadband grant program going into effect in western Minnesota

Hans Muessig with the University of Minnesota Extension Service talked about the new broadband program going into effect in western Minnesota. This was at today's Hoffman Commerce and Ag meeting at Bullfrog's Bar and Grill.

Below, a short discussion is held on ideas to draw people to town in a way of benefiting the business community. This was during the September 16, 2010 meeting of the Hoffman Commerce and Ag at Bullfrog's Bar and Grill.

Letter to the Editor

West Central Minnesota Deserves Better. It’s Time for New Representation.

There is no doubt the timing is right for new representation for West CentralM innesota. I just finished reading Torrey Westrom’s four page personal advertisement. This self-serving propaganda is quite concerning if you actually read through it. He talks about helping education, all you have to do is talk to a local educator to find out Torrey has done nothing to help education in Minnesota. In fact, along with Gov. Pawlenty, has burdened nearly every school district in Minnesota with financial hardship. He talks about helping farmers, yet I know of several families that have been negatively impacted by Torrey’s actions. It does not matter to me if there is a D or R alongside someone’s name rather what kind of a job I feel they will do representing the voters and govern in a non-bias, ethical manner. Ask yourself, really, what has Torrey done for West Central Minnesota?

This is why I believe the timing is right to give Bennett Smith, who is running for State Representative of District 11A, a chance to represent the voters of Grant, Douglas and Stevens Counties. We need someone representing us that places the voters’ interests ahead of their own self serving agenda. I have heard comments from people who fear Bennett is too young to be an effective representative. Remember he is the same age as Torrey when he was first elected. It is time for a change in our representation and I feel Bennett’s youth and energy could benefit West Central Minnesota.

I recently had an opportunity to visit with Bennett and was impressed with his knowledge of issues and sincere concern about education and property tax increases. Bennett is excited to go to work for the people of West Central Minnesota and restore integrity to the office of State Representative for District 11A.

A debate has been scheduled between Smith and Westrom for October 7 at 8pm on Prairie Public TV. I would encourage all District 11A voters to watch and decide who you feel should be our representative.

Terry Christenson Ashby, Mn

A sue-happy group of Republicans in Douglas County are a disgusting bunch

Read this story: http://capitolchat.areavoices.com/2010/09/15/wrong-party-name-lands-ballot-in-court/

The story involves a political game played out recently in Douglas County in regards to the House District 11B race.

Here was the most interesting part of the story IMO: "Pexsa, who was not sued directly, and the Independence Party believe Republicans initiated the lawsuit because they wanted to remove opposition.

The suit was filed by Harlan Clark, the husband of Marlene Clark, who ran as a Republican for the District 11B seat in 2004.

Pexsa, who attended the hearing, said that one of the justices asked if the lawsuit was an attempt to remove a name on the ballot so it would favor a political party. The question went unanswered.

Kari Johnson, a spokesperson for the Independence Party, stated on the party’s website that the “action represents the most cynical form of politics.”

Interesting article in the West Central Tribune (Willmar) about drastic cuts and drastic measures at the Montevideo school district

Read the story by clicking here: http://www.wctrib.com/event/article/id/72182/

My thoughts: Losing 200 students in 10 years is not a big deal considering that is only about a 13% decline. Look at some other districts and you'll see they've gone through worse situations but haven't had to cut extra-curriculars to that level - a very extreme move. MACCRAY - almost 30% decrease in that period down to around 700. Minnewaska, losing 26% or more, down to 1,050 students. West Central Area, going from a high of 1,086 in the late 1990s down to 717 this year (a 34% decline!) .... the schools I just mentioned do not have high school science and math classes enrollments in the upper 30s. Something is not right in Montevideo! What type of raises have they been giving staff the past 2-3 years?

Make plans to attend the annual University of Minnesota-Morris Homecoming weekend October 6-10

Click here to see the link to UMM's official Homecoming page:

http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/

Come meet one of our governor candidates tomorrow (Thursday) in Alexandria

Mark Dayton will be stopping in Alexandria for a brief period of time from 5:00pm to 5:30pm on Thursday, September 16. He will be passing through town to another campaign stop in Alexandria. Dayton is shown in the photo speaking at Farmfest on August 4.

Come out to Hoffman tonight for one of the last Farmer's Markets of the season

A note from Muriel Krusemark:

I encourage you to attend the Farmer's Market on Wednesday, September 15 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Community Center in Hoffman.


The food will be hot turkey sandwiches and corn on the cob. The Grant County Humane Society will be serving. Sonny Bartells will be furnishing the music.

**Previously, the town was going to have the University of Minnesota Extension Service videoing our town, but that event has been moved to next Wednesday, Sept. 22.

With coronation on Monday night, West Central Area schools gear up for Homecoming festivities next week

by Randy O. Olson

The annual Homecoming festivities at West Central Area schools are kicked off on Monday, September 20, when the Secondary School Auditorium will host the Homecoming Coronation at 7:30pm. TV viewing will be available if the room is packed, and spectators are encouraged to arrive early for good seats.

A host of athletic events are on tap next week, with the following Knights' events at home - Tuesday A/JV/B volleyball vs. Breckenridge at 6:00 and 7/8 volleyball vs. Fergus Falls at 4:30/5:30. Thursday 7/8 football vs. Parkers Prairie at 4:30/5:30, A/JV/B volleyball vs. Frazee at 6:00, 7/8 volleyball vs. Ashby at 4:00/5:00, Varsity tennis vs. Fergus Falls at 4:30. Friday varsity football vs. Wadena-Deer Creek at 6:00, with the WCA Band Field Show at halftime. Saturday volleyball hosts a JV/B squad tournament beginning at 9:00am.

WCA Student Council advisor Donna Caneen reported about the Homecoming activities, “The week will consist of quite a bit of ‘hoopla’ with dress up days including a new favorite ‘Generation Day’ where students will either dress as a ‘baby’, a ‘young child’ or a more distinguished older person. We also will have Friday as our Spirit Day and will encourage red/black/silver for WCA colors. Also, remember to wear black to Friday’s football game to create our black out!”

Also on Friday, during last hour there will be a Cheerleader-led Pep Fest which always brings out some fantastic entertainment!

The Homecoming Dance will follow the game at the Barrett Pavilion.

It will run from 9:00 until Midnight. The cost is $5.00, but WCA seniors are reminded that their admission is free!

1940s dance at Barrett Pavilion on September 18

from Thorson Memorial Library
Thorson Memorial Library and Viking Library System are sponsoring a 1940s’ dance at the Historic Lakeside Pavilion in Barrett, Minnesota on Saturday, September 18th at 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.). The dance is free and open to the public and will feature the music of Christine Rosholt (www.christinerosholt.com) and her band. Ms. Rosholt performs widely throughout the state of Minnesota, charming audiences and winning awards for her two CDs.

The dance is a part of “The Greatest Generation” programming taking place at libraries throughout the state during the year. The goal of this programming is to educate Minnesotans about life during the World War II period and honor those who sacrificed during that time. For more information visit www.mngreatestgeneration.org
This event is made possible by a partnership between Minnesota Regional Public Libraries and the Minnesota Historical Society. Made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.

WCA Cross Country squads both take second at Pelican Rapids today

So who's the rock star? Or who are the rock stars? They would be Kylee Fernholz and the rest of the West Central Area Knights boys/girls cross country team! Kylee led her squad with a 4th-place finish today at the Glenn Moerke Cross Country Invitational in Pelican Rapids. Kyle Toms took runner-up in the boys division. Both the WCA boys and girls squads took 2nd place out of 11 teams!

Photo by John Starner

Check out this week's Herman-Hoffman Tribune issue to read more on the meet.

Pope, Grant, and Douglas Minnesota Farmers Union units holds Tri-County meeting at Lakeside in Glenwood

The annual Tri-County Convention was held tonight at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood.

Bruce Miller, a 1972 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris and current director of membership for MFU, was the keynote speaker. He is in the photo below, giving a very good explanation of Legacy Grant funding in Minnesota, which comes from the recent sales tax increase that voters approved in 2008.


Below, county convention goers talk about an idea to limit the terms of our politicians in Washington, D.C.

Below, the problem with declining enrollments and job opportunities in small towns is discussed.


A number of topics important to the success of Rural Minnesota were discussed. In the short period that I attended the meeting, the following areas of discussion were held - cutting E.P.A. funding, the size and scope of the DNR's power, the pros and cons of term limits, rural areas' aging populations, declining school enrollments, job opportunities in small towns, and Legacy Grant funding.

Max J. Beilke VA Clinic has dedication ceremony on Saturday in Alexandria

The Department of Veterans Affairs Alexandria community-based outpatient clinic held a renaming ceremony in honor of Max J. Bielke on a sunny afternoon, Sat., Sept. 11. Wonderful photo here taken by Georgene Gunderson of Kensington. More photos are on the Tribune's Facebook fan page as well as the upcoming issue of the Herman-Hoffman Tribune on September 16.



Below, Senator Amy Klobuchar speaking at the ceremony. Photo by Bennett Smith, DFL candidate for House District 11A.

West Central Area Knights volleyball goes 1-3 at the Stacy Polzin McIntyre tournament in Morris on Saturday

Below are photos from the tournament, hosted by the University of Minnesota-Morris.













A video clip of their action against Dawson-Boyd can be found at the Herman-Hoffman Tribune videos page on the website: http://www.hermanhoffmantribune.com

WCA Knights football loses to visiting D-G-F 28-7 in an HOL battle

In their second straight home game to start the season, the West Central Area Knights football team lost to state-ranked (#8 Class AA) Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton on Saturday in Barrett. The Knights scored the game's first TD, but the Rebels won the game.

Coming in Week 3 for the Knights: a trip to neighboring rival Bre...ckenridge on Sept. 17. The Cowboys, who are 2-0 and will challenge for the HOL title this year, knocked off visiting Pelican Rapids 26-7 on Friday night.

University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars football wins home opener today during annual CougarFest

The Cougars defense comes up with a big fumble recovery in the third quarter of today's game at Big Cat Stadium.












Below, the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars football team is shown celebrating their big upset win over Westminster College (Missouri) today at Big Cat Stadium in front of a huge crowd during the annual CougarFest. Final score: UMM 20, Westminster 14. The Cougars improve to 2-0 on the 2010 season.


The Cougars' defense was outstanding, holding a potent Bluejays offense to only 151 total yards.

At 2-0 the Cougars will go on the road for the next two weeks, before returning home for Homecoming on Oct. 9.

http://ummcougars.org/news/2010/9/11/FB_0911104030.aspx

Remember the fallen - 9/11/01

Remember the fallen on this day - 9/11/01 - may they never be forgotten nor their deaths be in vain as we celebrate our freedoms and rejoice in America's unequaled liberties. Photo taken outside the Cyrus Fire Department late this afternoon.

God Bless America!

West Central Area Knights game vs. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton is moved to Saturday night

The game will start at 6:00pm at the WCA High School football stadium. D-G-F is the #8-ranked team in Class AA. They defeated visiting East Grand Forks 17-0 in Week 1. EGF defeated Crookston tonight 28-14.

Other Heart O' Lakes Conference results on Friday night:
Breckenridge 26, Pelican Rapids 7 (PR entered the game ranked in Class AA)
Warroad 28, Thief River Falls 6
Staples-Motley 38, Wadena-Deer Creek 0

Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross Spartans football team wins second straight with a 48-6 blowout at Hancock

The CAHN Spartans improve to 2-0 in the Pheasant Conference South standings with a lopsided 48-6 win at Hancock.

Only 68 seconds into the game, the Spartans scored after a 78-yard drive that culminated with an Alex Erickson quarterback sneak.

After holding the Owls on their first offensive drive, the Spartans scored with 8:22 left in the first quarter on a 54-yard touchdown reception by Mac Kampmeier.

With 5:08 on the clock, the Spartans started another touchdown drive only 44 yards from the end zone. They scored after nine plays on a Chandler Erickson five-yard touchdown run.

C. Erickson then scored from 75 yards out with 12 seconds left on the clock. The first quarter ended with the scoreboard in Hancock showing CAHN 28, Owls 0.

Pheasant Conference results on Friday night:
Verndale 44, Ashby 8
Underwood 20, Bertha-Hewitt 0
CAHN 48, Hancock 6
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 36, Lincoln HI 6
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 26, Eagle Valley 20

Tonight - Thurs., Sept 9 - Senate District 11 candidates will debate on Pioneer Public TV

Tonight - if you're not a die-hard Vikings fan, or if you can DVR television events... at 8:00pm on Pioneer Public TV, Senate District 11 candidates Bill Ingebrigtsen and Jim Thoreen will debate one another on the issues.

The Pioneer Public TV website is: http://www.pioneer.org/

Great news for the Herman-Norcross communities

The opening day enrollment for Herman-Norcross Community School was 115 students, up by over 10 from the last day of classes in May of this year, according to H-N Principal Jared Petersen.

Eighty-two students are in the K-6 elementary school.

A great editorial in the Grand Forks Herald

Click here to read it: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/174765/group/Opinion/

WCA Knights girls tennis team improves to 4-1 in dual matches with a win at Perham on Tuesday night

The West Central Area Knights girls tennis team came out on top of the Perham Yellowjackets on the road last night by a 5-2 score in the varsity match. They also swept all exhibition matches to make for a nice trip back home.

“This was a very good win in a very tightly contested match,” commented WCA head coach Doug Rakoczy. “Three of our wins came in 3-set matches, and we saved our best tennis for when it mattered the most. I was really proud of how all the girls were able to hang in there and really compete when the matches got tight. Perham is a good team and the overall match really could have gone either way. ”

The Knights (4-1, 1-0 Prairie) get back into Prairie Conference action on Thursday when they travel to Parkers Prairie for a 4:30pm dual meet.

Minnesota's success with military voting is example for other states

By Secretary of State Mark Ritchie

As other states struggle to implement new federal laws to help military voters, some are looking at what we have been able to do in Minnesota. Through a combination of legislative reforms and technology, we made it easier for our military personnel to vote and gave them more time to participate.

One of the biggest obstacles to voting faced by military personnel has been the lack of time available to receive, complete and return their ballots on time. Many are stationed in combat zones and remote places with inconsistent mail delivery services. While the process of receiving and returning an absentee ballot takes only a few days for a voter living in Brainerd, that same process may take more than a month for someone serving in Afghanistan.

Another barrier has been the intricate rules and procedures that often tripped up otherwise eligible voters. For example, some voters simply forget to sign their absentee ballot envelopes. These errors used to be discovered too late to notify voters.

Over the last three years the Office of the Secretary of State made military enfranchisement a priority and worked with the Pentagon, local election officials, legislators from both sides of the aisle, and the governor to improve the process.

We were able to get authorization for local election officials to send military voters their ballots by e-mail or fax. This cut ballot transit time in half, giving military voters more time to get their ballots returned before Election Day.

We successfully advocated for legislation requiring local election officials to immediately review returned military and overseas absentee ballots for errors so that replacements can be sent to provide voters a second chance to correct any problems that would otherwise prevent their vote from being legally counted.

We created a special easy-to-use website to help military and overseas voters cut through the red-tape. This free service has helped thousands of voters get their ballots and participate in our democracy.

We worked with the legislature to move Minnesota's primary a month earlier. Our late primary election left too few days for many of our service men and women serving abroad to participate in general elections. With help from the legislature we made it a requirement that absentee ballots be sent out at least 46 days before an election to voters who requested them to ensure that they had more time to return them before Election Day.

The results of these reforms and innovations have been dramatic. Military voting tripled from 2006 to 2008 with more than 3,000 service men and women successfully casting ballots. Military and overseas voters' absentee ballot rejection rates in 2008 were reduced-down to less than 2 percent compared to 3.5 percent for domestic absentee voters. Minnesota was recognized for its leading efforts to build overseas and military voter participation and for having one of the highest military and overseas voter satisfaction rates in the country in 2008.

Last month, Minnesota held its 2010 primary in August. While primaries are smaller than general elections, the results show that we continue to make progress. For example, by getting ballots out much earlier we were able to reduce the rejection rate for military and overseas absentee ballots to only .87 percent. This is compared to 3.4 percent for domestic absentee voters who still face complicated procedures.

These results are promising and reveal that commonsense reforms make a difference. Minnesota's success serves as a model for other states facing these same hurdles. It proves that by working with the Pentagon and voting assistance officers in the military, we can ensure that those fighting to protect our democracy can fully participate in it.

Dog lost in the Hoffman/Barrett area last week

Lost dog: English cocker, male, golden in color, weighs 34 pounds, white chest, tail is a half tail, no collar or tattoo. He goes by the name of Warsaw. Very friendly. Lost between Hoffman and Barrett on Thursday, August 26 at about 5:00 in the evening. Call 320-986-2003 with any information.

Congratulations to the WCA boys cross country team as they won the Bois de Sioux meet on Thursday night

Photo courtesy of John Starner.

At Breckenridge on Thursday night, the West Central Area Knights boys cross country team repeated as champions of the Bois de Sioux meet.



Alex Toms finished as runner-up, following his senior brother Kyle Toms across the finish line. The next WCA runner to finish was Neil Hyttsten, who took 12th.

“Kyle once again led the pack from the start and never looked back, unless to check on his brother Alex Toms, who finished in second place,” stated West Central Area head coach John VanKempen. “They have different running styles but both their techniques have proven successful for us so far. Kyle will keep up a strong pace throughout the race, while Alex has the ability to turn it on and off throughout races.”

Read more about the race, which had some very exciting finishes, in next week's September 9 issue of the Herman-Hoffman Tribune.

Visit the Herman-Hoffman Tribune website's videos page to see a clip of WCA's Megan Endreson performing the National Anthem

The link for the Herman-Hoffman Tribune website is: http://www.hermanhoffmantribune.com

Then click on the "videos" tab.

WCA senior Megan Endreson did an outstanding job singing the National Anthem last night, and while I arrived later than I wanted to for the game, I got there in time to record part of the song.

I have other video clips from the football game as well. Some could be dubbed highlights for B-B-E, while others show some great scenes for the WCA Knights.

Stay tuned.

Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross Spartans football team picks up a big road win at Bertha-Hewitt 34-32 in their season opener

Hats off to Coach Dave Hofland and his coaching staff, along with the entire Chokio-Alberta/Herman-Norcross Spartans football team, as they pick up a huge road win over a very tough Bertha-Hewitt Bears squad. Final score: CAHN 34, B-H 32.

Next week: CAHN at Hancock on Friday, September 10 - the Owls lost 48-0 to Eagle Valley last night.

Area 9-man football scores last night:
Wheaton 12, Verndale 8 (a big Pheasant Conference win for the Warriors)
Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 14, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 0
Brandon-Evansville 46, Ashby 16
Underwood 48, Lincoln HI 0

WCA Knights football battles through four quarters in a very competitive game with Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa but falls 13-0

The West Central Area Knights football team lost its season opener last night, losing 13-0 to visiting Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in head coach David Drexler's coaching debut.

The WCA Knights now prepare for a second straight home game, as they host Heart O' Lakes Classic Conference rival Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton next Friday, Sept. 10, at 7:00pm at the WCA High School athletic complex.

Area football scores:
Pelican Rapids 31, Perham 7 (a nice win for the Vikings)
New London-Spicer 20, Morris Area 14 (NL-S is the defending Class AAA champion)
Breckenridge 33, Wahpeton, N.D. 7
Barnesville 45, Lake Park-Audubon 14
Melrose Area 32, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 0
St.Cloud Cathedral 22, Montevideo 14
Eden Valley-Watkins 33, Pipestone Area 0

Plot Day held today in rural Hoffman, hosted by Prairie Lakes Coop

Here's a video clip from the gathering of farmers at the Jerome Hanson farm today in rural Hoffman.

WCA Knights football "Meet the Team" event is tonight (Thursday) at the high school in Barrett

Tonight at 7:00pm the West Central Area Knights football team will have a "Meet the Team" event at the high school in Barrett. Come out and show your support for the Red and Black! Season opener is tomorrow night at the high school athletic complex. In the photo, the WCA Knights are huddled up at the Osakis scrimmage this past Saturday.

Prairie Lakes Coop plot day near Hoffman is today at the Jerome Hanson farm (details below)

...And one good thing, farmers won't be sweating too much, as the weather is seasonably cool and cloudy - not a bad day for a Plot Day - but bring your boots as the area received rain last night.



Click on the photo to enlarge the flier for more details.

Ok, Republicans, it's time to put up or shut up on small town budget issues

Many Republicans in Minnesota continue to use intellectually dishonest debating points when blaming small towns for small towns' budget woes.

I DARE any Republican to drive out to Hoffman, MN, population 674, and tell us where to cut spending in our city budget. We spend money on police, road fixes, snow plowing, a part-time city clerk, and a part-time economic development authority director who actually brings in grant funding larger than her actual office budget.

Where do we cut?

WCA Knights football will host Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in the season opener this Friday night - information on B-B-E is below

**The West Central Area Knights football team will host B-B-E in the 2010 season opener this week Friday night, September 3, at the WCA High School athletic complex in Barrett. Kickoff is at 7:00pm.

Below is a B-B-E football season preview story.

Jaguars Football ready to rock the gridiron this fall
by Randy O. Olson, B-B-E sports reporter

The 23rd season of B-B-E Jaguars football looks to post a winning record for the first time since 1997, with record turnout for pre-season practices totaling 58 young men ready to suit up for battle on the gridiron.

Chris Moscho, a 2002 Melrose graduate, takes the reigns as the Jaguars' fifth head coach in school history after spending the last two seasons as assistant. He had the following to say about the progress of the team so far, "the athletes we have on the field this year look more poised and confident than ever. They have already bought into the coaches concepts and philosophies. It's a learning experience for everyone out there with all of the new student athletes and coaching moves over the past nine to ten months, but I am confident we have them moving in the right direction."

Rounding out the varsity coaching staff are offensive coordinator Rick Gossen, Paul Rooney, and Shane Radermacher. Moscho will be the defensive coordinator, while Rooney and Radermacher will coach the J.V. team.

Second-year starter Brady Koehler returns as quarterback, with 12 of his senior classmates, to lead the Jaguars on the gridiron. He will have a long list of running backs to work with, including seniors Ben Borgerding and Travis Westaby, along with juniors Brandon Roelike, Tucker Cebulla, and sophomore Patrick Rooney.

Borgerding heads a list of returning defensive leaders for the Jaguars, along with Brett Kollman, Connor Goodwin, Daniel Kirckof, and Kevin Kuefler. Kuefler will enter his third season as one of the team's featured wide receivers.

Team captains are Brady Koehler, Kevin Kuefler, Ben Borgerding, and Brett Kollman.

The team scrimmaged at St.John's University on Saturday against Kimball, Royalton, and Sleepy Eye. Coach Moscho commented, "We played very well at the scrimmage on Saturday. We started off with Royalton and moved the ball against them. Our linemen did a good job run blocking. Our offense seemed to come together that day. We held our own against Sleepy Eye, where Coach Gossen once coached before coming to B-B-E. Against Kimball, we had our reserve guys play to get a look at them. It was their chance to move up the depth charts. The day was a great chance for former B-B-E football players, parents, and coaches to see the kids play at Clemens Stadium and showcase what we've accomplished up to this point."

The Jaguars finished 2-7 overall last year, including 2-5 (6th) in the Central Minnesota Conference. Their season ended in a 14-10 battle at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity in the Section 4A quarterfinals.

Farm Organizations seek farmers to speak up for Agriculture

“Speak for Yourself” program allows farmers to tell their story

Farmers interested in helping the public better understand how Minnesota’s farm families are feeding the world, caring for the environment and fueling the economy are invited to participate in a new advocacy program called Speak for Yourself.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) are organizing a statewide team of farmers to share information about their family farms to local business organizations, civic groups, community organizations and other non-farm groups.

“We need to be at the table and engage with consumers, share our stories and listen to the consumers questions,” said MFBF President Kevin Paap. “This year, we are looking for at least 40 farmers who are interested in sharing their story with others in an approximately 50 mile radius from their farms.”

“If agriculture doesn’t speak for itself, others will, and their message is not always what people need to hear,” says Ron Obermoller, a Brewster, Minn., farmer and MSR&PC vice-chairman. “By sharing their individual stories, farmers who participate in Speak for Yourself will help all of agriculture.”

If you are interested in learning more about Speak for Yourself contact Tara Sammon Meyer at 612-756-3223,speakforyoursselfmn@gmail.com.

The MSR&PC is made up of an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean check-off dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota’s soybean farmers. Visit www.mnsoybean.org for more information.