Mulling over the wonderful story and editorial comments by Jane Howard about the sad court case of the Border Patrol agent in the death of Dr. Ken Petersen....
Howard said she is glad to know that the Border Patrol is there to stop terrorists from coming in through Canada... Well, then, how do those PaTrollers stop those Terrists (as they are called by our Fearless Decider)? Do they recognize them by their assault weapons, or their camouflage gear? Or is it the color of their skin? Or maybe the faintly Arabic cast of their features? Is there some secret sign that they are taught in their Terrist Training? Or is this just one more instance of racist profiling?
It seems that driving up and down the Gunflint Trail is one of the big ways the Border Trollers carry on their fearless hunt. What exactly are they looking to find? Hmm, True looks a little scruffy, like much of Cook County, when he goes off fishing. Is scruffiness a sign of Terrism? A couple of years ago, True's friend Toivo watched a scene in the Grand Marais Harbor parking lot, where a couple of tourist families in vans were having a picnic. Trouble was, those couple of families looked like they might be Middle Eastern. Toivo watched in astonishment as one after another Border Patrol vehicles appeared, slowly TROLLING by the innocent families, obviously trolling for terrists posing as tourists.
It makes True laugh and laugh that the mouthpiece hired to represent Weber quoted bloggers and even our wonderful Sheriff Falk to prove that in Cook County the Border Patrol is perceived as the enemy more than "invisible terrorists." Now why would we ever think that?
Well, silliness aside, at least give those Trollers some Driver Training and don't let them off the hook when they get well-deserved traffic tickets.
Immunity? Because Ms. Weber was diligently pursuing those invisible Terrists she gets to run down and kill a good man?
Honestly, what country are we living in? Maybe a Latin American dictatorship? That's what they do down there, folks, with the blessing of our big corporations like Coca Cola. But that's another story.
True
Showing posts with label Gunflint Trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gunflint Trail. Show all posts
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Border Patrol-Petersen case story: True salutes Jane Howard
True nominates Jane Howard for the First Place Investigative Journalism in Cook County Award (an apocryphal but still powerful accolade). Her story, "Border Patrol agent seeks court elsewhere in vehicular death case," is a remarkable piece of journalism.
Jane did her homework and did it well, interviewing everybody concerned and taking good notes. Then she assembled the facts she gathered, as well as evidence regarding all those things that we all have been wondering and grieving about: how could it have happened? why did Ms. Weber fail to appear in court? what is her story about why she is not to blame for the death of a beloved resident? what will happen next to offer closure (if not justice) to county residents? are we really the ogres that Ms. Weber claims us to be? is the Border Patrol adequately trained to drive here? do the increasingly large number of agents have a clue about our community? is it appropriate for the DHS to impose Texas border rules on our quiet backwoods?
Well, True might (and has in the past) offer comments on all of the above questions, but the point is that Jane has raised them and brought them to a place where we can now have a community conversation. Ms. Weber has escaped the wrath of our traffic ticket. So it seems we can go ahead and dissect the lingering unanswered questions and sorrow that remain for us living here, that will perhaps never be resolved and yet in the seeking give us some peace of mind.
Jane did her homework and did it well, interviewing everybody concerned and taking good notes. Then she assembled the facts she gathered, as well as evidence regarding all those things that we all have been wondering and grieving about: how could it have happened? why did Ms. Weber fail to appear in court? what is her story about why she is not to blame for the death of a beloved resident? what will happen next to offer closure (if not justice) to county residents? are we really the ogres that Ms. Weber claims us to be? is the Border Patrol adequately trained to drive here? do the increasingly large number of agents have a clue about our community? is it appropriate for the DHS to impose Texas border rules on our quiet backwoods?
Well, True might (and has in the past) offer comments on all of the above questions, but the point is that Jane has raised them and brought them to a place where we can now have a community conversation. Ms. Weber has escaped the wrath of our traffic ticket. So it seems we can go ahead and dissect the lingering unanswered questions and sorrow that remain for us living here, that will perhaps never be resolved and yet in the seeking give us some peace of mind.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Treasured life, needless death, a traffic ticket
Nearly six months after the tragic death of Dr. Ken Peterson on Halloween night of 2007 on the Gunflint Trail, a grand jury has decided to charge his killer with two misdemeanor traffic offenses, tickets routinely issued by the Minnesota Highway Patrol in ANY accident, even where there is no damage to life or property.
The few facts so far released to the public (aside from the name and age of the killer, Maranda Weber, 27) provide only negatives: she was not drunk, not on drugs, and not speeding. So, how is it that she killed a man who was trying to remove a downed tree in the middle of the Trail? Hmm, it seems she was "careless."
Careless? What does that mean, a slap on the wrist, a fine of a couple hundred dollars at most?
Well, no way would I or any other driver I know be "careless" enough to slam into a tree across the road!
Dr. Peterson was an exceptional person, evidenced by his last act of trying to remove a hazardous tree blocking the Trail, but even more so by his life of giving so much to the residents of our county.
And is his death so meaningless that the county attorney has chosen not to pursue any fault? And would that be because the killer was a member of the Border Patrol?
CA Tim Scannell has obfuscated the issues, and probably influenced the grand jury (as nearly always happens) with his statement that there was no evidence for "vehicular homicide" and therefore would be no jail time.
HELLO? Jail time? Oh no way, not for a Homeland Security employee. Still, there are lots of options between jail and a traffic ticket. The community as well as Ms. Weber deserve some healing, such as community service in penance or at least some required driver training. Or at best some parole, again commonly prescribed by the courts even in cases not involving the death of a human being, a recognition that there needs to be a period where the perpetrator is held accountable for her actions by society.
True
The few facts so far released to the public (aside from the name and age of the killer, Maranda Weber, 27) provide only negatives: she was not drunk, not on drugs, and not speeding. So, how is it that she killed a man who was trying to remove a downed tree in the middle of the Trail? Hmm, it seems she was "careless."
Careless? What does that mean, a slap on the wrist, a fine of a couple hundred dollars at most?
Well, no way would I or any other driver I know be "careless" enough to slam into a tree across the road!
Dr. Peterson was an exceptional person, evidenced by his last act of trying to remove a hazardous tree blocking the Trail, but even more so by his life of giving so much to the residents of our county.
And is his death so meaningless that the county attorney has chosen not to pursue any fault? And would that be because the killer was a member of the Border Patrol?
CA Tim Scannell has obfuscated the issues, and probably influenced the grand jury (as nearly always happens) with his statement that there was no evidence for "vehicular homicide" and therefore would be no jail time.
HELLO? Jail time? Oh no way, not for a Homeland Security employee. Still, there are lots of options between jail and a traffic ticket. The community as well as Ms. Weber deserve some healing, such as community service in penance or at least some required driver training. Or at best some parole, again commonly prescribed by the courts even in cases not involving the death of a human being, a recognition that there needs to be a period where the perpetrator is held accountable for her actions by society.
True
Friday, November 30, 2007
Social Capital Assessment
Here's a post from Boreal News of interest to all who care about Cook County. The benefits of social capital assessments are multiple and manifold. This theory, already adopted by scholars in many disciplines from evaluation/sociology to architecture and development, advocates for local communities. The idea is to inventory the community assets and then build on or strengthen them instead of the outside developer mentality of slash-and-burn.
Cook County is rich in social capital assets that include communities dedicated to the best interests of citizens and tourists.
Please, friends, if you can spare the time, consider taking part in this most important project that could have incredible impact on the long-term health and well being of our county:
Join us on Thursday, November 29 at 4:30 p.m. at the Cook County
Community Center to plan how this assessment will work in all parts of the
county. There is no charge to us as we are serving as a pilot project
for the U of M Extension. The information will be valuable for decision
makers.Contact the Community Center Extension Program to plan how this assessment will work in all parts of the county. There is no charge to us as we are serving as a pilot project.
We are looking for volunteers from all parts of Cook County to help with a county-wide social capital assessment. We want to set this up so that areas within the counties can determine how well their local
community is doing in terms of cooperating together for mutual benefit. This may differ between Schroeder, Gunflint Trail, or Grand Portage. The time commitment is one training session and getting folks to fill out the assessment in January.
If you are unable to attend the meeting but would be willing to help with the survey assessment in your part of the county, please contact Diane Booth at the Extension office at 387-3015.
Cook County is rich in social capital assets that include communities dedicated to the best interests of citizens and tourists.
Please, friends, if you can spare the time, consider taking part in this most important project that could have incredible impact on the long-term health and well being of our county:
Join us on Thursday, November 29 at 4:30 p.m. at the Cook County
Community Center to plan how this assessment will work in all parts of the
county. There is no charge to us as we are serving as a pilot project
for the U of M Extension. The information will be valuable for decision
makers.Contact the Community Center Extension Program to plan how this assessment will work in all parts of the county. There is no charge to us as we are serving as a pilot project.
We are looking for volunteers from all parts of Cook County to help with a county-wide social capital assessment. We want to set this up so that areas within the counties can determine how well their local
community is doing in terms of cooperating together for mutual benefit. This may differ between Schroeder, Gunflint Trail, or Grand Portage. The time commitment is one training session and getting folks to fill out the assessment in January.
If you are unable to attend the meeting but would be willing to help with the survey assessment in your part of the county, please contact Diane Booth at the Extension office at 387-3015.
Friday, July 06, 2007
It's good because it's good
Recently my nephew Eric turned eight years old and for the occasion I gave him some removable tattoos and $30 in cash. By email he sent his thanks. He was saving the money towards a Wii, whatever that is, which he was sure he would be getting soon. "It's good because it's good," he wrote about my gift.
A couple of days ago, a reader accused me of being "Syndical" in response to my post, "America the Beautiful." I interpreted this to mean a combination of sinful and cynical. The post was about my longing for an idealized America and my frustation and grief at how the Bush administration has systematically destroyed all the best. I'm a Woody Guthrie kind of guy, a "This Land is Your Land" sing-a-longer. I'm a peacenik, a tree-hugger, a Buddhist and a vegetarian. But not a cynic or a sinner, I hope. My heroes are Cindy Sheehan and the Dalai Lama, who are just so good because they are good.
Anonymous and my nephew got me to thinking. There's a lot of stuff in Grand Marais and Cook County that is good because it's good.
For one, our transparent and responsive City Council. It's such a relief to know that they represent the voters, that they resist demands for inappropriate development, that if they have a conflict of interest they don't vote. I don't have to agree with every single action or vote to rest easy, because their interest is the public interest. Thanks, City Council!
Two, we are so blessed to have Harbor Friends. Always vigilant, these watchdogs caught the nasty infill of two harbor wetlands sites. The city is even now removing the landfill and restoring the wetlands. Thanks! I don't think it is too Syndical to ask who threw assorted junk in the first place. This has not been mentioned in any press reports. I am just curious.
Hey! Snowmobiles without mufflers skipping all over the harbor on the 4th of July? Well, as my mom used to say, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla. Sometimes a little live-and-let-live goes a long way.
Three, I am so delighted by the joint city-county decision to hire a housing coordinator. The Housing Study (previously reported on True) is a most excellent document and the joint decision to implement its findings deserves high praise. Everything we care about, we who live here, depends on the availability of housing for the young families, the working poor, the year-round residents, the senior citizens and retirees who give and have given so much to our history, culture, arts and well-being.
Four, WTIP continues to surpass itself in its outstanding coverage of local news. I dips me hat. Volunteer-driven, it still manages to achieve world-class coverage. BBC news every morning? You don't even get that on MPR. Hint: It's their fund drive. Please join up.
We are so lucky to live here. But having these fabulous resources: City Council, joint city-county affordable housing advocates, Harbor Friends and amazing radio coverage isn't just about luck. It's about people who care enough to make a difference.
True
A couple of days ago, a reader accused me of being "Syndical" in response to my post, "America the Beautiful." I interpreted this to mean a combination of sinful and cynical. The post was about my longing for an idealized America and my frustation and grief at how the Bush administration has systematically destroyed all the best. I'm a Woody Guthrie kind of guy, a "This Land is Your Land" sing-a-longer. I'm a peacenik, a tree-hugger, a Buddhist and a vegetarian. But not a cynic or a sinner, I hope. My heroes are Cindy Sheehan and the Dalai Lama, who are just so good because they are good.
Anonymous and my nephew got me to thinking. There's a lot of stuff in Grand Marais and Cook County that is good because it's good.
For one, our transparent and responsive City Council. It's such a relief to know that they represent the voters, that they resist demands for inappropriate development, that if they have a conflict of interest they don't vote. I don't have to agree with every single action or vote to rest easy, because their interest is the public interest. Thanks, City Council!
Two, we are so blessed to have Harbor Friends. Always vigilant, these watchdogs caught the nasty infill of two harbor wetlands sites. The city is even now removing the landfill and restoring the wetlands. Thanks! I don't think it is too Syndical to ask who threw assorted junk in the first place. This has not been mentioned in any press reports. I am just curious.
Hey! Snowmobiles without mufflers skipping all over the harbor on the 4th of July? Well, as my mom used to say, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla. Sometimes a little live-and-let-live goes a long way.
Three, I am so delighted by the joint city-county decision to hire a housing coordinator. The Housing Study (previously reported on True) is a most excellent document and the joint decision to implement its findings deserves high praise. Everything we care about, we who live here, depends on the availability of housing for the young families, the working poor, the year-round residents, the senior citizens and retirees who give and have given so much to our history, culture, arts and well-being.
Four, WTIP continues to surpass itself in its outstanding coverage of local news. I dips me hat. Volunteer-driven, it still manages to achieve world-class coverage. BBC news every morning? You don't even get that on MPR. Hint: It's their fund drive. Please join up.
We are so lucky to live here. But having these fabulous resources: City Council, joint city-county affordable housing advocates, Harbor Friends and amazing radio coverage isn't just about luck. It's about people who care enough to make a difference.
True
Sunday, June 17, 2007
And that's the way we like it!
Dear True,
When I was scrolling through the blog I saw the "heads up" on the NYTimes article in which we are "discovered." Sobering enough, but the really frightening remarks were made by Sarah (in the comments section) in which she mentioned that some of the McMansion owners already here with their "keep out" signs were discussing picnic tables, rest stops, and street lighting on the Gunflint Trail! (O, yaah????)
While it's certainly true that some people's idea of "roughing it" is going without the olive in their martini, what's really needed is education: these people need to learn that what we have here in Cook County is a Way of Life not open to changes we don't consider for the better. Ours is basically a simple way of doing things -- with little or no frills. If these improvement-minded folks feel they need frills, they should consider moving to Hayward, WI, where Mayo doctors escape for the weekend. We will not be building a Byerly's here any time soon. This is a North Woods environment with bears that roust the garbage, wolves that eat unguarded poodles, gulls that grab steaks off the grill, and moose that pop out of the underbrush to stand blandly in front of automobiles, holding up traffice indefinitely. We consider THEM to be our true neighbors, even more so than the "civilized" Hilfiger-clad from the city. The only street lights we need come from the stars.
What these "monied" folks don't realize is that they've moved into an area analagous to Amish country. We've made a conscious choice. We live a simple life and we like it. These McMansion folks feel they're preaching to the Gentiles, but they should save their breath -- no one's listening -- WE LIKE IT THIS WAY! HEL-LO! Take your ostentation somewhere else. WE'RE NOT IMPRESSED! We don't consider you any smarter or more advanced than we are. In fact, we'd like to see you find your way out of the Boundary Waters unassisted. And we have a college-educated population percentile second only to Olmsted County, home of Mayo and IBM. WE CHOOSE THIS WAY OF LIFE! (You'll be surprised to learn you aren't any richer than some of us either!)
Our message is this: dig out your flannel shirt. Buy a compass and a flashlight. And quit yer belly-aching.
This ain't Edina. We left Edina behind and went on to something better: Cook County.
Signed,
Proud to Live Here
When I was scrolling through the blog I saw the "heads up" on the NYTimes article in which we are "discovered." Sobering enough, but the really frightening remarks were made by Sarah (in the comments section) in which she mentioned that some of the McMansion owners already here with their "keep out" signs were discussing picnic tables, rest stops, and street lighting on the Gunflint Trail! (O, yaah????)
While it's certainly true that some people's idea of "roughing it" is going without the olive in their martini, what's really needed is education: these people need to learn that what we have here in Cook County is a Way of Life not open to changes we don't consider for the better. Ours is basically a simple way of doing things -- with little or no frills. If these improvement-minded folks feel they need frills, they should consider moving to Hayward, WI, where Mayo doctors escape for the weekend. We will not be building a Byerly's here any time soon. This is a North Woods environment with bears that roust the garbage, wolves that eat unguarded poodles, gulls that grab steaks off the grill, and moose that pop out of the underbrush to stand blandly in front of automobiles, holding up traffice indefinitely. We consider THEM to be our true neighbors, even more so than the "civilized" Hilfiger-clad from the city. The only street lights we need come from the stars.
What these "monied" folks don't realize is that they've moved into an area analagous to Amish country. We've made a conscious choice. We live a simple life and we like it. These McMansion folks feel they're preaching to the Gentiles, but they should save their breath -- no one's listening -- WE LIKE IT THIS WAY! HEL-LO! Take your ostentation somewhere else. WE'RE NOT IMPRESSED! We don't consider you any smarter or more advanced than we are. In fact, we'd like to see you find your way out of the Boundary Waters unassisted. And we have a college-educated population percentile second only to Olmsted County, home of Mayo and IBM. WE CHOOSE THIS WAY OF LIFE! (You'll be surprised to learn you aren't any richer than some of us either!)
Our message is this: dig out your flannel shirt. Buy a compass and a flashlight. And quit yer belly-aching.
This ain't Edina. We left Edina behind and went on to something better: Cook County.
Signed,
Proud to Live Here
Friday, June 01, 2007
SBA opens Ham Lake service center in Courthouse
Rep. James Oberstar: SBA Opens Service Center for Ham Lake Fire Victims
Friday, June 01, 2007
Washington DC – Home owners, business owners and renters who were impacted by the Ham Lake fire will be able to begin applying for disaster assistance loans on Monday. Today, Congressman Jim Oberstar announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais on Monday at 8:00 AM.
SBA loans of up to $1.5 million will be available to business owners who suffered property damage and significant economic losses due to the fire. Homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000 to replace and repair real estate damaged in the fire. Loans of up to $40,000 are available to homeowners and renters who lost furniture and other property.
“Many resort owners saw business take a big drop during the fire,” said Oberstar. “Now the fire is out, but so are the phone lines. They are having trouble booking rooms, running credit cards and even issuing fishing licenses. These businesses need help right now and I am glad to see the SBA is moving quickly to render that assistance.”
Oberstar is working with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to bring more resources to Cook and Lake Counties. This week he met with FEMA Administrator David Paulison to see how that agency can help. Paulison is expected to report back to Oberstar early next week.
Information on applying for SBA loans:
Telephone inquiries:
SBA Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955 (Mon.-Fri. 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, CDT)
Walk-in service:
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Cook County:
Cook County Courthouse
411 West 2nd Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Opens: Monday, June 4
Open: Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (1 Saturday Only)
Written inquiries:
SBA - Disaster Assistance
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Friday, June 01, 2007
Washington DC – Home owners, business owners and renters who were impacted by the Ham Lake fire will be able to begin applying for disaster assistance loans on Monday. Today, Congressman Jim Oberstar announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais on Monday at 8:00 AM.
SBA loans of up to $1.5 million will be available to business owners who suffered property damage and significant economic losses due to the fire. Homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000 to replace and repair real estate damaged in the fire. Loans of up to $40,000 are available to homeowners and renters who lost furniture and other property.
“Many resort owners saw business take a big drop during the fire,” said Oberstar. “Now the fire is out, but so are the phone lines. They are having trouble booking rooms, running credit cards and even issuing fishing licenses. These businesses need help right now and I am glad to see the SBA is moving quickly to render that assistance.”
Oberstar is working with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to bring more resources to Cook and Lake Counties. This week he met with FEMA Administrator David Paulison to see how that agency can help. Paulison is expected to report back to Oberstar early next week.
Information on applying for SBA loans:
Telephone inquiries:
SBA Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955 (Mon.-Fri. 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, CDT)
Walk-in service:
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Cook County:
Cook County Courthouse
411 West 2nd Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Opens: Monday, June 4
Open: Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (1 Saturday Only)
Written inquiries:
SBA - Disaster Assistance
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
US Rep. Jim Oberstar, ably assisted by Senator Amy Klobuchar, have gotten support for Ham Lake victims despite a rather deaf ear turned to us by Dubya who probably never heard of the Boundary Waters wilderness and couldn't care less. Thanks!
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
Congressman James L Oberstar -- Oberstar Announces Assistance for Businesses Hit by Ham Lake Fire
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Plenty of good news
The amazing WTIP continues with its world-class coverage of the Ham Lake fire and aftermath. Things True learned about today:
The 6,000 donated white pines planted last weekend in a volunteer effort of about 170 folks, half perhaps from the Cities.
How Jim Oberstar and Amy Klobuchar were up the Trail listening to our concerns.
And the good news reported to boreal today, from the Gunflint Trail Association (also reported today on WTIP) about Oberstar's work on our behalf:
Congressman Oberstar has heard our call! After meeting with representatives of the Cook County Sheriff's department the USFS, Gunflint Trail businesses, & residents, here is his report to us:1. He has met with the head of FEMA who has agreed to expedite the production and installation of the phone cable.2. The sprinkler program with FEMA will be repeated. FEMA will pay 75% with a 25% participant match for new system installations, existing system upgrades, or repairs to damaged systems.3. The Director of FEMA (feeling a 800 Mhz system would not be appropriate for this area) will be contacting the Sheriffs office and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to get an appropriate communication system for the Gunflint Trail.4. The Director of FEMA and Congressman Oberstar have both looked at theapplication by the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department for the pumper truck. FEMA will contact the GTVFD directly to help write an application that will be approved.5. Congressman Oberstar has also been in touch with the Small Business Administration to see what they could do to help businesses. Two regional SBA representatives will visit Grand Marais to assist people impacted by the fire to get loans directly from the SBA. They have asked the Governor to fax the necessary letter to the SBA where it will be immediately approved. Once approved the SBA people can start issuing loans.6. Finally, FEMA has really nice trailers available for temporary use while rebuilding. The trailers are currently in another state. The Congressman needs to know how many trailers people will need to use while they rebuild. Congressman Oberstar says they are "nice trailers".Watch the http://www.gunflint911.org website to sign up to receive information regarding FEMA assistance for Wildfire Sprinkler Systems. A sign-up form should be available at that site within the next day or so. Our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Oberstar, for his prompt attention and response to our needs.
Lee Kerfoot & Shari Baker
Gunflint Trail Assoication
The 6,000 donated white pines planted last weekend in a volunteer effort of about 170 folks, half perhaps from the Cities.
How Jim Oberstar and Amy Klobuchar were up the Trail listening to our concerns.
And the good news reported to boreal today, from the Gunflint Trail Association (also reported today on WTIP) about Oberstar's work on our behalf:
Congressman Oberstar has heard our call! After meeting with representatives of the Cook County Sheriff's department the USFS, Gunflint Trail businesses, & residents, here is his report to us:1. He has met with the head of FEMA who has agreed to expedite the production and installation of the phone cable.2. The sprinkler program with FEMA will be repeated. FEMA will pay 75% with a 25% participant match for new system installations, existing system upgrades, or repairs to damaged systems.3. The Director of FEMA (feeling a 800 Mhz system would not be appropriate for this area) will be contacting the Sheriffs office and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to get an appropriate communication system for the Gunflint Trail.4. The Director of FEMA and Congressman Oberstar have both looked at theapplication by the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department for the pumper truck. FEMA will contact the GTVFD directly to help write an application that will be approved.5. Congressman Oberstar has also been in touch with the Small Business Administration to see what they could do to help businesses. Two regional SBA representatives will visit Grand Marais to assist people impacted by the fire to get loans directly from the SBA. They have asked the Governor to fax the necessary letter to the SBA where it will be immediately approved. Once approved the SBA people can start issuing loans.6. Finally, FEMA has really nice trailers available for temporary use while rebuilding. The trailers are currently in another state. The Congressman needs to know how many trailers people will need to use while they rebuild. Congressman Oberstar says they are "nice trailers".Watch the http://www.gunflint911.org website to sign up to receive information regarding FEMA assistance for Wildfire Sprinkler Systems. A sign-up form should be available at that site within the next day or so. Our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Oberstar, for his prompt attention and response to our needs.
Lee Kerfoot & Shari Baker
Gunflint Trail Assoication
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Ham Lake fire 100 percent contained in U.S.
Here's breaking news from the Duluth Tribune:
· Duluth News Tribune ·
As fire fighting winds down and our heroes maybe get some family time, I know we will all step up to the plate with kindness and help for those who lost their homes or still have major infrastructure needs.
Kindness is what we are about, same as the Dalai Lama who says, "Kindness is my religion."
True
· Duluth News Tribune ·
As fire fighting winds down and our heroes maybe get some family time, I know we will all step up to the plate with kindness and help for those who lost their homes or still have major infrastructure needs.
Kindness is what we are about, same as the Dalai Lama who says, "Kindness is my religion."
True
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ham Lake 50 percent contained
True is signing off on Ham Lake fire coverage; there is so much good stuff out there, on boreal news, on WTIP, on Inciweb, and at the Community Center. Good news today; the combination of rain and heroic efforts by our fire and rescue folks have resulted in 50 percent containment in Cook County; Canada with less rain and more recent fires is looking at only 20 percent.
Today True heard stories of firefighters who worked 12-hour shifts in the wake of smoke, burned skin, and short rations. They perservered because they care, and also because the mutual aid support they got from each other inspired them to g0 one step beyond the call of duty. "I would have done it for nothing," said one young firefighter today, and he meant it.
In actual fact, there is no provision in the county and townships' contracts with the DNR for reimbursement to firefighters; this is expected to come out of the hourly rate for truck rentals. Nonetheless, the legislature is proposing a $750 bonus to local fire and rescue volunteers, and True feels sure we have not heard the last word on compensation for our heroes.
Today True heard stories of firefighters who worked 12-hour shifts in the wake of smoke, burned skin, and short rations. They perservered because they care, and also because the mutual aid support they got from each other inspired them to g0 one step beyond the call of duty. "I would have done it for nothing," said one young firefighter today, and he meant it.
In actual fact, there is no provision in the county and townships' contracts with the DNR for reimbursement to firefighters; this is expected to come out of the hourly rate for truck rentals. Nonetheless, the legislature is proposing a $750 bonus to local fire and rescue volunteers, and True feels sure we have not heard the last word on compensation for our heroes.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ham Lake Updates: WTIP is the best
Today, WTIP's coverage of the Ham Lake fire is the best of all the website waters trolled daily by True. Here's the web link:
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM
WTIP North Shore Radio - 90.7 FM
Sunday, May 13, 2007
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Latest this afternoon: fire is 15 percent contained; here's the link
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Wildland Fire
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Firefighters hope burnout will create firebreak
Today: A new controlled burn was put in place in an effort to preserve housing around Magnetic Lake from wind shifts. Keep up-to-date with this link as well as http://www.WTIP.org.news/ and the USFS links previously posted.
News Express » Archive » Firefighters conduct burnout to help block returning blaze
News Express » Archive » Firefighters conduct burnout to help block returning blaze
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
WTIP has been providing super coverage of the Ham Lake Fire, but if you can't listen in here is another web site that has the very latest. (Well, if it is working; there have been some problems the last couple of days).... But just keep clicking on links about the Ham Lake fire and it is all out there.
True
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
True
InciWeb: Ham Lake Fire Update
Foster mom asks True for backbone on issues
I almost missed this very excellent letter from Foster Mom, which was in response to a True post about the "poor tax" (i.e., new sales tax).
Others have also said we should not be anonymous. Mom makes a good point. Please share your thoughts.
True
Have a voice, people. What you think is important. Regardless of the popularity. I like this site for its voice but to be anonymous is chicken shit. It is like all the people at the local watering holes running their mouths about what should be done, while doing nothing themselves. It is a waste of time if you don't have the backbone to stand up for what you think and believe. I have a sick mother, I have a very sick father, I have work, I have dogs. I have no time for other crap.
But I begged people to come to "the meeting". True north posted it. Very few of you came came. Restaurant owners did. We beat our part of of it but when the vote came for the rest of it ... I said, "Who is here to speak for the outfitters, the other people?" and about six people raised their hands. Somebody has to speak out!!
Anonymous people deserve what they get. Nothing. We needed your opinions then! Before it left Cook County.
Sarah Hamilton
Trail Center Lodge
Others have also said we should not be anonymous. Mom makes a good point. Please share your thoughts.
True
Have a voice, people. What you think is important. Regardless of the popularity. I like this site for its voice but to be anonymous is chicken shit. It is like all the people at the local watering holes running their mouths about what should be done, while doing nothing themselves. It is a waste of time if you don't have the backbone to stand up for what you think and believe. I have a sick mother, I have a very sick father, I have work, I have dogs. I have no time for other crap.
But I begged people to come to "the meeting". True north posted it. Very few of you came came. Restaurant owners did. We beat our part of of it but when the vote came for the rest of it ... I said, "Who is here to speak for the outfitters, the other people?" and about six people raised their hands. Somebody has to speak out!!
Anonymous people deserve what they get. Nothing. We needed your opinions then! Before it left Cook County.
Sarah Hamilton
Trail Center Lodge
Links for Ham Lake fire info
In case you missed the earlier comments from bwca, fire information can be found online at:
http://www.HamLakeFire.com
and
http://www.BWCAFire.com
http://www.HamLakeFire.com
and
http://www.BWCAFire.com
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Here's a feature from the Strib, an unusual and personal take on the Ham Lake fire that brings it right home for us who live here. Check out the link:
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Losses on Gunflint Trail heavy with tears
Latest on Ham Lake fire Tuesday afternoon
This link to the Duluth coverage of the Ham Lake fire includes a link to all the stories by reporter John Myers.
Note Pawlenty's insulting remark that we need to be "more coordinated." This comes from the governor who has relentlessly cut aid to local governments. Does he even know that our Fire and Rescue teams up here are all volunteer and that they cover huge areas? Does he care?
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Note Pawlenty's insulting remark that we need to be "more coordinated." This comes from the governor who has relentlessly cut aid to local governments. Does he even know that our Fire and Rescue teams up here are all volunteer and that they cover huge areas? Does he care?
· Duluth News Tribune ·
Thursday, April 26, 2007
ATV Reprise: USFS and Cook County Roads
True's mailbox includes a packet from the U.S. Forest Service about their proposed OHV (ATV) trails and asking for public comment. With chagrin, he notes that the public comment period ended today.
Still, True has read and studied the USFS scoping document as well as their maps and he thanks our Tofte and Gunflint ranger staff for making this process very open, for coming to town and county meetings, for mailing out information to interested parties such as Yours Truly. He is impressed at the effort to close dead-end trails, reclassify roads, and create trails to move from the lower to the upper forest. Okay, he (I) don't like or want ATVs over-running our county but if they must and will come here let them come to designated trails. As Tofte district ranger John Wytanis put it, "We are not going to allow everything, and we are not going to allow nothing."
But, unfortunately, on the ATV issue most all of the comments come from the ATVers themselves. Notably, a four-page document was submitted by the local ATV club recommending additional trails to be opened. Ugga bugga boo.
For most of us, the USFS plan is a compromise we can reluctantly live with, but not for the hard-core folks who like to enjoy the environment by destroying it. This puts me in mind of nasty little boys who tear the wings off of butterflies because they just don't SEE anything outside their personal ego demands for instant gratification.
Metaphors aside, a more serious ATV issue looms on the horizon, that being permission to ride on virtually all county roads. Last time the county had a public hearing at least two-thirds of those attending were strongly pro-ATV. Next time, who knows? We have a statewide lobby that would just love to devour Cook County as an ATV destination.
Commissioner Jim Johnson has promised to vote against the Open Season ATV Plan (because his constituents are adamantly opposed) but most of them, like politicos everywhere, are just watching to see which way the wind blows. Commissioner Bruce Martinson, at least, has been vocal in his reports to his West End constituency about all of the issues in play here; his personal concern is safety.
True (aka yours truly) admits that there will be an increased ATV presence here in Cook County and hopes that if enough folks who love the peace and quiet of the woods, or even enough folks who understand that the economy will suffer if the ATVers take over the woods, will speak out in time to make a difference, in time to set limits we can live with.
Still, True has read and studied the USFS scoping document as well as their maps and he thanks our Tofte and Gunflint ranger staff for making this process very open, for coming to town and county meetings, for mailing out information to interested parties such as Yours Truly. He is impressed at the effort to close dead-end trails, reclassify roads, and create trails to move from the lower to the upper forest. Okay, he (I) don't like or want ATVs over-running our county but if they must and will come here let them come to designated trails. As Tofte district ranger John Wytanis put it, "We are not going to allow everything, and we are not going to allow nothing."
But, unfortunately, on the ATV issue most all of the comments come from the ATVers themselves. Notably, a four-page document was submitted by the local ATV club recommending additional trails to be opened. Ugga bugga boo.
For most of us, the USFS plan is a compromise we can reluctantly live with, but not for the hard-core folks who like to enjoy the environment by destroying it. This puts me in mind of nasty little boys who tear the wings off of butterflies because they just don't SEE anything outside their personal ego demands for instant gratification.
Metaphors aside, a more serious ATV issue looms on the horizon, that being permission to ride on virtually all county roads. Last time the county had a public hearing at least two-thirds of those attending were strongly pro-ATV. Next time, who knows? We have a statewide lobby that would just love to devour Cook County as an ATV destination.
Commissioner Jim Johnson has promised to vote against the Open Season ATV Plan (because his constituents are adamantly opposed) but most of them, like politicos everywhere, are just watching to see which way the wind blows. Commissioner Bruce Martinson, at least, has been vocal in his reports to his West End constituency about all of the issues in play here; his personal concern is safety.
True (aka yours truly) admits that there will be an increased ATV presence here in Cook County and hopes that if enough folks who love the peace and quiet of the woods, or even enough folks who understand that the economy will suffer if the ATVers take over the woods, will speak out in time to make a difference, in time to set limits we can live with.
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