DL News Staff
Author Content
You only have to open your newspaper or turn on your TV to learn that the United States is facing unprecedented economic hurdles -- a financial downturn, an aging population, millions out of work including kids who can't afford to go to college and a looming future debt crisis. Yes, and add to that a seemingly paralyzed government unable to take decisive action. Yet, trillions of dollars sit in corporate accounts waiting for the next big thing. Then there's the national energy policy ... er, I mean the lack of one.
We need help from the dreadful whistles in all the small towns along the railroad. I've always heard that anything above 80 decibels is damaging to our hearing. A friend of mine used a meter and it was recorded at 130 decibels and when this person held her hands over her ears, the engineer blew the whistle more. What object does it serve to blow the whistle when there is already one train going through the crossing?
We invite readers to take a stand against domestic violence. October has been designated National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we at the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center encourage readers to learn more about how to end domestic violence in our communities. Domestic violence is a problem that is too often kept quiet or ends with devastating results. The human cost is staggering. This year, 16 women, 3 children and 1 man have lost their lives in domestic-violence-related homicides, according to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women.
The Detroit Lakes Area Chapter of Let's Go Fishing thanks the 12 team captains and their team members for raising over $8,500 in pledges for Let's Go Fishing in support of this program which takes seniors, veterans, and youth on fishing and scenic excursions. This past summer 61 such trips provided on the water experiences for over 550 seniors, veterans, and youth. Thanks also to all the businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed monetary and or in-kind contributions to the Walk for Let's Go Fishing.
Most members of Congress and many National Guard and Reserve members and their families may not know that a Reservist can complete a full Guard or Reserve career, qualify for retirement pay, but not earn the title of "Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States," unless the member has served on Title 10 Active duty for other than training purposes.
The Damien Society wishes to thank the generous people of our community for attending our 32nd Annual Damien Home Tour! This single-day event is our only fundraiser for the year, benefiting over 20 area charities. Along with being a great activity for a day, the attendees contributed to charities ranging from abandoned/rescued animals (Humane Society/Marshmallow Foundation) to individuals and families in need (Lakes Crisis & Resource Center/Becker County Food Pantry/Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes) and everything in between (Public Library, St. Mary's Foundation) just to name a few.
Environmental issues have garnered a significant level of discussion in the United States and this region during the past several months. The latest debate in this region affects Minnkota Power Cooperative, the wholesale supplier to member-owner electric distribution cooperatives in this region, Minnkota's member-owners and Northern Municipal Power Agency (NMPA) members. It's a dispute between the state of North Dakota and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the best way to improve visibility; it is not about health. On Sept.
I am on the National Executive Board of our organization, the United States Police Canine Association. Last week, our Association held our annual Police Dog Field Trials in your town. I had the pleasure of being the Chief Judge for the Trials. The event was hosted by the Detroit Lakes Police Department and Sergeant Robert Strand of your Police Department was the chairman for this national event. Chief Tim Eggerbraaten supported Sgt. Strand in holding this event. I have been involved with the USPCA for over 20 years.
The success of the Rotary Blood Screening program this month is truly a reflection of the Essentia Health and the Sanford Health organizations dedication to the community of Detroit Lakes. We could not wrap up our efforts on the 2011 Rotary Blood Screening program without recognizing the outstanding contributions of the many Essentia and Sandford volunteers, who gave of their time and their knowledge to help their area community members with this blood screening. Many area residents had the opportunity to have a blood sample drawn which was tested for various health measurements.
Amid rising public objections to its proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, it looks like TransCanada is busy trying to turn public opinion around by conducting bogus surveys. Here's how it works: Your phone rings and it's somebody wanting your opinion about gasoline prices. Sure, you wish they weren't so high. Then the caller suggests that the new pipeline would not only provide thousands of jobs, but bring down the price of gasoline. Of course, you think that's a good idea.