EDITORIAL                                                               by editor James Brenno

What I’ve learned in the past six months

Being a father has taught me many things, including how to destroy a pack-n-play 

    My baby girl turned six months this past week. It’s tough to believe. It truly is.
   But despite the rapidity of the past six months, I can’t imagine my life before her. In fact, I have a tough time even remembering what my life was like. I vaguely remember a life in my 20’s as a mixture of adult beverages and cartoons - watching and drawing, that is. Probably makes sense why my life pre-daughter (and pre-wife) wasn’t memorable.
Now, all I can think about is coming home after work and watching her crawl around on the floor, try to stand up and eventually fall over because she’s too top heavy. It’s a funny process.
   My wife will read to her when the three of us are home and she’ll squawk back. Perhaps this is a prelude to the inevitable battles my wife fears when our daughter becomes a teenager. I say ‘inevitable battles’ not because I think such encounters are predetermined. Instead, I think back to the type of teenager I was and feel that if there is such a thing as Karma, well, then, there’ll be payback coming for my teenage behavior.
   It would only be appropriate.
   But I’ve learned some things - at least I think I have - over the past six months. I’ve learned some things about what it means to be a father and other things about life. I’ve learned that a baby that sleeps through the night at an early age is rare, or so I’m told. Our daughter started sleeping through the night at about two months. Maybe a bit earlier. I thought this normal until I heard stories from family and friends that it is not normal. At first I thought I was lucky - and still do - but now I’m concerned she’ll be a sleepy adolescent, a sleepy teenager and maybe even a sleepy adult with whom I’ll have to support until she’s 30.
   I’ve also been told that our next child will make up for our current sleepy child by never sleeping. There’s that Karma thing again.
   I’ve learned that you should never try to dissemble a ‘pack-n-play’ when you’ve had a lot to drink the night before. A pounding headache leads to a bloody hand and a broken pack-n-play. I’ve also learned that I should read the directions when assembling a pack-n-play. A second broken pack-n-play leads to fowl language and yet another purchase of a pack-n-play. Now that I know how to assemble and dissemble one I marvel about how inept I was.
I’ve learned there are more lyrics to such songs as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” than ‘Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream.’ I never knew there were more versus.
   I’ve learned that children’s books don’t necessarily have plots, but thats OK because no one is following along.
   I’ve learned that two babies lying next to each other can somehow communicate with each other. This makes me jealous.
   I’ve learned that if I wake up late, there’s no way I can change, dress, feed and burp my daughter quickly.
   I’ve learned that after a comfortable dinner, we both fall asleep pretty easily.
   I’ve learned that if I want to work out - basketball, running, etc. - I need to do it over lunch.
I’ve learned how fulfilling it is to do nothing on a weekend except sit at home and watch her chew on a sock monkey.              
   Finally, I’ve learned I can make my daughter laugh or smile just by laughing or smiling. It’s interesting that at our most basic existence that a happy demeanor will, in fact, make us happy. I’ve heard such notions my entire life - act happy and you will be happy. How true it is. My daughter and I can attest to such every evening when I come home.
I can’t imagine what the next six months will bring, but I surmise I’ll undercover another new side to life I didn’t know existed.
    


  
 
 



 



LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lack of confidence with government

Dear Editor:
To: Le Sueur Mayor Robert Oberle and members of the Le Sueur City Council:
The purpose of this letter is to express concerns relating to the lack of due process and closed atmosphere of public participation in considering the rezoning of the Traxler parcel during the Planning Commission Public Hearing January 17, 2012.
At the public hearing, Planning Commission Chair Wentworth advised that public testimony and comments be limited only to rezoning and not to the MMPA anaerobic digester project. As is well noted in the record, there is a draft EAW for the HomeTown Bio-Energy project on this property. Chair Wentworth went so far as to cut off public testimony relating to the project.
The annexation, proposed rezoning from Transitional to General Industry, and current land use proposals cannot be separated from each other. The conversion of this property from Agricultural to General Industry has been undertaken in great haste and without the opportunity for public comment so as to violate the spirit and letter of Minnesota law.
There has been little or no public discussion or consideration of public infrastructure, including adequacy of water, sewer, stormwater control, road systems, public safety, fire and life protection, and essential public services.
The continued limitations on public participation in this process is contrary to the principles of good government, fundamental due process, and sound land planning processes required under state statute.
The Traxler parcel was annexed by the city in a rushed procedure without findings as required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 414. Multiple statutes establish processes to protect the public in the urbanization land development process.
This continuing disregard for meaningful and timely public input is a reinforcement of a disturbing pattern in the city of Le Sueur and virtually all matters relating to MMPA/Avant renewable energy projects.
This letter is to provide notice to the City of Le Sueur public officials that the lack of critical analysis and cozy relationship between Avant, the MMPA and City officials is not consistent with the good government we expect and deserve from our local leaders.
Keith Peck, Le Sueur
Deb McKay, Tyrone Twp

May 2012 be the year of restoring public trust

Dear Editor:
2011 was a year which will be memorablenotably, for an erosion of public trust.
On March 7, 2011 Le Sueur Economic Development Authority Executive Director Almich reported that representatives of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) had advised him that the North Highway 169 Industrial Park was no longer being considered as a site for MMPAs proposed Le Sueur Energy Park. He conveyed that a major change in the method of delivery and storage of bio fuel prompted this decision by MMPA.
As expected, on April 18, MMPA officially withdrew its air permit application with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the Le Sueur Energy Park.
Fast forward to September 28, 2011 and a Star Tribune news announcement that the Hometown BioEnergy Project was coming to Le Sueur, on the south side of the community.
Mayor Bob Oberle was quoted in the article saying, These will be jobs of a technical nature and so will create decent living-wage jobs. and I am in the camp that is excited about this.
This was big news to Le Sueur area residents. Even more interesting, it was also big news to the representatives of the Le Sueur City Council and many EDA representatives as well. Here is the truth behind the deceptive story: The power plant project was renamed and relocated. Certain city officials had been meeting during the summer with MMPA. Perhaps they didnt think the discussions of relocating the methane plant would be of interest or concern to their peers, constituents or area residents? Contentious community conversations have followed this announcement. 2011 marks a colossal breakdown in public trust.
The good news? Breakdowns create breakthroughs. May 2012 be known for transparency in local governance. Ironically, the tagline for the City of Le Sueur is Planning Wisely, Protecting Securely, Providing Effectively. May 2012 be the year of planning wisely and restoration of public trust.
Sincerely,
Michelle Burns

Thanks for investing
in our greatest asset

Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities of Le Sueur and Henderson for the support shown in passing both questions of the Operating Levy on November 8.
At our board meeting last Monday November 14, the School Board canvassed the votes of the referendum and passed a resolution that certified the results. This made the passage of the levy totals official and the results will now be filed with the Department of Education.
It was wonderful to see both communities come together in support of our schools. The funding this levy will provide will allow the LSH district to continue to provide opportunities for our children that will challenge them and help them develop the skills they will need to be successful beyond LSH and into their future careers.
Now that the levy has passed, there is much work to be done. Let me assure the taxpayers of both communities that the Board of Education will be diligent in making sure that your money will be spent wisely.
In a difficult economic time locally and nationally, your show of support for our children and their future is much appreciated.
Thank you.
Henry Endres
LS-H Board Chair


Donations needed for food shelves

Dear Editor:
We have many reasons to be grateful to our Creator on Thanksgiving. I urge local citizens to make donations to a local food shelf or make other charitable contributions if they are able. Our food shelves still are still feeling the extra strain from of the recession and this demand typically increases this time of year.
Minnesota fares a bit better than the national average, but a Hunger Solutions report indicates 10 percent of our households struggle to put food on the table. More than 4 percent eat less or skip meals altogether because they have low food security. Click here http://www.hungersolutions.org/ for more information on this topic.
Here are links to local county foodshelves:
Le Sueur: http://www.razoo.com/story/Le-Sueur-Food-Shelf
Scott: http://preview.capagency.org/programs-2/food-nutrition/food-shelf/
Sibley: http://sibleycountyfoodshare.webs.com/
Please be safe if you travel this Thanksgiving and have a blessed holiday with friends and family.
Sincerely,
Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen

Thanks for investing
in our greatest asset

Dear Editor:
On behalf of all of those who worked so hard on the LSH Vote Yes! effort, Id like to extend our congratulations to Superintendent Hanson, the school board and the entire LSH staff.
Thank you to all voters who came to the polls and exercised their right in casting a ballot on Tuesday. The referendum results showed a clear and continuing confidence in our school district. Thank you voters, for once again affirming the importance of investing in our communities greatest assetour children!
Todd Redmann,
LSH Vote Yes!

Our schools
need our help

Dear Editor:
Our schools need our help.
The financial predicament facing small rural school districts like Le Sueur Henderson is real.
Without going into detail on the challenge, we need to focus on what we can do about it. Voting in favor of both questions on the November election is one way to take action. It shows we are taking local responsibility to fund our schools. The State has already decided it will take a diminished role in that funding.
A vote in favor means maintaining our current system and bringing in vital new curriculum Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Opportunities for jobs in agricultural related fields abound today and most of them rely on STEM training.
A vote in favor means we have made a commitment to, and have an understanding of, the importance of a strong school system to a small rural community. Just as I spread my local dollars throughout the Le Sueur Henderson business community, I now will send a fair amount of my tax dollars to the school system. These same businesses I support and wish to maintain in my community will rely on some of the students taught locally to become valued employees and eventually manage that same business.
Our commitment to our local schools completes the circle of economic and personal development found only in small rural communities.
As a rural resident it is important to remember the proposed levy only affects my house, garage, and one acre of land. This puts rural residents on equal footing with city neighbors . A simple phone call to the County Assessor will get you that value to calculate your tax impact. It is also important to remember there are only two polling locations, one in the city of Le Sueur, and one in the city of Henderson.
Lastly, we view a vote in favor as a proactive approach to what we want our small rural community to look like rather than a vote in fear of what it may become without a positive outcome.
Greg and Joan Schwarz,
Le Sueur

Local levy unity needed in district

Dear Editor:
We are appreciative of the numerous ways that the LSH School Board, the Superintendent, and citizens from both Le Sueur and Henderson have utilized to inform and promote passage of the upcoming operating levy referendum. The student-centered rationale for VOTING YES ON BOTH QUESTIONS has already been outlined and we will not be repetitious.
However, there are two other noteworthy reasons for referendum support:
(1) The LSH School Board has a well-earned record of fiscal stewardship. Despite the souring economy, declining revenues, and ongoing budget cuts, the annual tax levy to LSH District residents has been reduced for each of the past 3 years!
(2) In contrast to state and federal legislative polarization and dysfunction, local passage of both operating levy questions will demonstrate that we are capable of putting some self-serving interests aside and UNITING AS PARTNERS to do what is best for the LSH District as a whole!
Please join us in VOTING YES ON BOTH QUESTIONS on November 8th!
Dave and Sandy Johnson,
Le Sueur


Want to see tradition of excellence continued

Dear Editor:
We write today in support of both Le Sueur-Henderson school district operating levy questions.
The communities of Henderson and Le Sueur are enhanced immeasurably by our school programs, and in order to preserve and build upon these assets, we feel it is essential to stand behind the districts mission and vision for our schools. This requires a vote of Yes for both ballot questions.
An alumnus of LSH, I was the beneficiary of two communities that continually stood up in support of its schools. From ensuring that students and teachers have the resources required to build and maintain strong curricula, to offering students of all abilities the opportunity to participate in co- and extra-curricular activities, our communities have built a school system to be proud of.
Meghan and I want to see this tradition of excellence in education continue.
On November 8, please join us in voting Yes for Questions 1 and 2 of the operating levy, renewing our commitment to our kids, our schools, and our communities.
Joe and Meghan Roby
Le Sueur


Volunteer or
just plain helper

Dear Editor:
As I look around our two fantastic communities of Le Sueur/Henderson I see many people trying to make a little difference in our area. Many of these people do HELPER work on a consistent basis and dont even think twice about recognition, they do it because it is the thing you do to live in a community.
After watching a rerun of Little House on the Prairie I was inspired to write this letter. In the episode, there was a plea to change Walnut Grove to Olesonville. The moral of the story was it takes many people to make a community, not just ONE. Sometimes I feel our communities stray to that ONE atmosphere, and there are so many things that our two communities do together and should continue to do together that using the ONE word needs to be TOGETHER word.
Our Le Sueur/Henderson area has so much going for it, for instance Sauerkraut Days, Giant Days, Music on Main, The Expo, Turkey Trot, Fall in the Valley, Henderson Car Roll-in, Light Parade, Christmas Appreciation, Crazy Days, Heritage Days and may many more events that are happening for really two reasons - first getting people TOGETHER and second to show off our area to others. We should not be called volunteers; instead, we are just HELPERS making a better place. I personally HELP in eight different groups and feel truly blessed that I can do my part.
In one of our local churches they have this as their mission statement: We are a Christ-centered community, called to serve, where you can come as you are, share who you are and experience the power of Gods love. I believe if we all live with this statement in our lives and be those HELPERS in our community (Le Sueur/Henderson) that we will continue to succeed in everything we do.
Loren Edberg,
Le Sueur


Vote yes on November 8
Dear Editor:
Soon we will have the privilege to vote for our schools operating levy referendum. Its important we all take the time to understand what this means to our schools, our children, and our community.
As the parent of a pre-schooler, as well as a life-long Le Sueur resident and graduate, I take great interest and concern in the quality of our school district and the ability to educate all students to their greatest potential. After reading through all of the materials, its clear to me that the referendum is providing just that: needed funding for our school to continue to operate at an acceptable level.
The management team has to-date demonstrated tremendous creativity in striking a balance between quality and cost, but this situation is becoming dire. Its time for the community to step up and make a small individual investment in our schools. For less than the cost of what many of us spend on a cup of coffee each day, less than that candy bar from the vending machine, and far less than the cost of a pack of cigarettes, you can provide the means to keep our school healthy and vital without losing any of the quality weve come to expect.
Whats at stake here? Its our responsibility to understand this clearly before voting. Programs in jeopardy include all-day every day kindergarten, many of the elective classes in the upper grades, and co-curricular activities. Class sizes will increase with the loss of teaching positions, and the 4-day school week will come back for consideration. The STEM program will lose many of the beneficial elements, not to mention plain old dollars of funding, as well. You dont know about STEM? Read up! Its an amazing education opportunity at a critical age. I wouldve loved to be a part of it as a 4th grader!
No children in school? Also be sure to understand the significant component a quality school district has on property values. Weve all seen our home values drop. If our school district is unable to provide basic education (like all-day kindergarten with school five days a week) this will send a red flag to families considering moving into our community that our schools are not valued by residents. Home sales will lag while property values decline even further. Our local businesses will struggle. And dont forget that were educating our future doctors, researchers, technicians and business people.
This referendum has serious consequences for every school district resident. Educate yourself with an eye on the future and youll see the huge rewards to be gained from voting YES to both questions on Nov. 8!
Betsy Breaker,
Le Sueur

Dear Editor:
Our schools need our help.
Our schools need our help. The financial predicament facing small rural school districts like Le Sueur Henderson is real. Without going into detail on the challenge, we need to focus on what we can do about it. Voting in favor of both questions on the November election is one way to take action. It shows we are taking local responsibility to fund our schools. The State has already decided it will take a diminished role in that funding.
A vote in favor means maintaining our current system and bringing in vital new curriculum Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Opportunities for jobs in agricultural related fields abound today and most of them rely on STEM training.
A vote in favor means we have made a commitment to, and have an understanding of, the importance of a strong school system to a small rural community. Just as I spread my local dollars throughout the Le Sueur Henderson business community, I now will send a fair amount of my tax dollars to the school system. These same businesses I support and wish to maintain in my community will rely on some of the students taught locally to become valued employees and eventually manage that same business. Our commitment to our local schools completes the circle of economic and personal development found only in small rural communities.
As a rural resident it is important to remember the proposed levy only affects my house, garage, and one acre of land. This puts rural residents on equal footing with city neighbors . A simple phone call to the County Assessor will get you that value to calculate your tax impact. It is also important to remember there are only two polling locations, one in the city of Le Sueur, and one in the city of Henderson.
Lastly, we view a vote in favor as a proactive approach to what we want our small rural community to look like rather than a vote in fear of what it may become without a positive outcome.
Greg and Joan Schwarz,
Le Sueur

It takes cooperation to educate our children

Most people have heard the old adage - It takes a village to raise a child. It takes the cooperation of our villages to educate our children. We take pride in the success of our students. We can take pride in ourselves as we provide this much needed financial support.
Our kids. Our schools. Our commitment!
PLEASE vote Yes to question 1 and 2 for the operating levy referendum on November 8.
Ron and Barb Walters,
Henderson


Quality
education is essential for the future
Dear Editor:
This letter is in support of the upcoming school operating fund referendum.
As difficult as it is to want to accept, more of the cost of educating our children is returning back to local support. In recent years the tax dollars coming back to local schools have been significantly reduced due to State cuts, creating severe problems for all MN schools, not just Le Sueur-Henderson.
I firmly believe that the Le Sueur Henderson school district uses their operating dollars as efficiently and effectively as possible. Providing adequate funds for quality education is essential to health of our communities for years to come. Please vote yes.
Ruth Vortherms
Le Sueur



clarification to changes to homestead credit Dear Editor:
I would like to clarify some things regarding recent changes to homestead tax credits.
The tax bill Gov. Dayton approved in July included a new Homestead Market Exclusion, designed to be an improvement over the unstable Market Value Homestead Credit program. Now the benefit goes directly to the taxpayers and the cost of the former state-paid credit is now shifted relatively evenly among all property taxes, including homesteads.
The amount a home will be taxed is reduced on the front end, instead of offsetting a portion of the property taxes you owe on the back end. Both methods provide about an equal amount of property tax relief.
Change was necessary because the state was not always fulfilling its obligation to fund the former program. This trend of the state not living up to its promises left local governments unfairly holding the bag.
It is important to reiterate we did not eliminate the property-tax relief for homeowners. Furthermore, the system we enacted has been used successfully in other states. The League of Minnesota Cities, the Minnesota Township Association and the Minnesota Inter-County Association all supported this change.
Local governments have the ability to control their budgets in these deficit times just as the state did. Only local governments can set property taxes and some local governments have even reduced their tax levies for next year, including Anoka County with a 7-percent reduction.
There can be glitches in switching programs, so we expanded the Property Tax Refund program to help ease the transition. The PTR will deliver property tax relief directly into the hands of property taxpayers, offsetting any one-time tax increases stemming from our change to the MVHE.
Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen



Thanks Chester for all your service

Dear Editor:
Ive been in the bar business in Henderson for 17 plus years. Over that time I worked with Police Chief Chester Aldrich and I have to say Chester has always been more than fair with me and my customers.
Id just like to say thanks Chester and I hope you enjoy your retirement.
Charlie Neisen,
Henderson


Levy will maintain system

Dear Editor:
Financing public schools is an issue every year when the legislature decides the funding that local districts will receive. The programs and staff that cant be funded are dropped and a new school year begins with new challenges.
We are voting to locally take responsibility to make a small impact on the LS-H basic education program. The levy will bring in dollars to help maintain what has been a successful educational system. Without the levy, programs and staff will be reduced.
At LS-H we have tried to have more than a bare-bones educational system. Many of you are well-aware of the quality programs and the successful students that have been educated in our local school system. With the added taxes the levy brings in we will be able to continue to finance the LS-H school system and continue to develop quality students.
Yes, education will always cost and now we have a chance to locally decide how much we support the education of students in our school district.
Vote on November 8 thinking of how the additional dollars would have affected your children in the past and how it will affect todays students.
Don and Janet Dickinson,
Le Sueur

We support investing
in children
Dear Editor:
We have lived in Henderson now for 4+ years. The thing that drew Dan and I to Henderson was the ambiance of the town as well as our house. It seemed like this was a town where people cared.
As we got to know people here it became home. We have a lot of people who participate in helping out with various activities to promote the town and let people know what a great place it is. We consider ourselves invested in the well-being of the town.
It is true that we do not enjoy having to pay twice as much tax as we would in any other town, just because we do not have any industry to carry part of the tax burden, as well as we do not enjoy that our water bill is about three times what it would be anywhere else and has doubled since we moved here.
Those issues have nothing to the with the school levy.
We dont have children in the schools, or even grandchildren who will be going. We did have someone help pay our way when we were growing up and going to school, and someone helped pay our daughters way when she was going. Now it is our turn to help out the next generation.
We are willing to invest in them.
Any other issues should be complained about or addressed separately. The children are not at fault for any of the other issues and should not have to pay the consequences. Without the school and the innovative new program our town will die. There will be nothing to draw people here.
We are going to vote yes.
Stephanie Vance,
Henderson

Make the city council work for the people

Dear Editor:
I would like to know why long time resident, and a well liked favorite, Eric Karels isnt good enough to be our next Police Chief?
Karels has been serving the good people of Henderson for the past 16 years. In fact, the city thought he was such a good fit they kept sending him to Police Standard Training for a lot of those 16 years.
What happened to being a good neighbor and supporting each other?
Why would we have to look any further to fill this Police Chief position when Karels has been in training for 16 years?
Karels agreed up front with the city that he could work part-time as Police Chief and part-time at his other city job. Anything to accommodate the city! He said he could actually be on duty while plowing snow! Almost sounds too good to be true! Karels wasnt even asking for health insurance.
Something is wrong in Henderson!
Is jealousy, ignorance and pettiness rearing its ugly head?
Every member of the City Council - including the City Administrator and Mayor - should be ashamed of themselves!!
Residents of Henderson - Where are you?!
Last time I looked at Henderson it was OUR town. Call your City Council members and let your opinion be heard!
Disappointed in Henderson,
Mary Krause Aldrich

Karels should be police chief

Dear Editor:
First, our feeling is that the City Council should have gathered and examined facts, that the people of Henderson would like Eric Karels to be Police Chief.
Second, we feel Officer Karels has the qualifications and experience needed and deserves to be Police Chief. He has a degree in law enforcement and has served well as an officer for our city.
We think Karels should be named interim chief with a probationary period for a permanent position.
James Goblirsch
Vic Lueders
Ned Pilling
Bert Karels

Heritage Days a big success

Dear Editor:
A huge thank you to all who made the Heritage Day festival a success.
It was truly a collaborative effort by many, many people.
Thanks to all who helped with the exhibits and activities Saturday, to the Baseball team for the pancake breakfast, the faith communities for the Sunday service, and especially the J.R.Brown Society for the wonderful dinner and program Saturday evening.
It was an awesome weekend in every way....another tribute to Hendersons capable and creative community members.
Heritage Days Committee,
Henderson Chamber

Vote yes for referendum this Nov.

Dear Editor:
We would like to ask our fellow citizens in the Le Sueur-Henderson School district to consider some things about the upcoming Referendum. (That word is somewhat confusing because it is not used much in everyday speech. It is a legal word that means we the people have a voice! It is asking us to VOTE!)
We grew-up in the families of teachers. Jos Dad was a teacher and school administrator. His Mother was a teacher. Ronnies mother was a teacher in England and Ronnie taught in England and Kansas. With our educational backgrounds we have supported our Public Schools. We have Trusted them to educate our four children and now feel we must Trust them to educate the 21st Century generation of our communities.
For us, one of the most appealing parts of the Referendum is Question 2. As we look back over the 50 years we have lived in Le Sueur we recall struggling, as parents, with New Math and Modular Scheduling.We have watched Straight and circular Slide Rules be replaced with hand held Calculators and now accept that each student needs to master the Computer to make it in the 21st Century!
The idea of starting in the 4th and 5th grades with the STEM curriculum in the Hilltop Facility is exciting. [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are involved in all phases of the curriculum.] As these students advance in our school system they will carry with them habits and knowledge that will genuinely prepare them for this fast moving world we live in. We Trust Our Schools.
Please VOTE YES on both questions of the Referendum in November.
Jo and Ronnie Anderson,
Le Sueur

Generosity of all

Dear Editor:
As president of the Joseph R. Brown Heritage Society Id like to thank everyone for contributing to the wonderful fund-raising event held on Heritage Day.
The ease in which this event happened is a testament to the people of Henderson. The generosity of citizens in this town is always there!
Our Henderson Chamber provided great support.
Our own Toodys Sweet Treats owner, Ruth Ann Nytes, created a value-added dessert that was extraordinary!
Our own Minnesota New Country Schools staff and students worked hard to prepare a great site for this event.
Our own Joe Brown Heritage Society members contributed many hours and resources in the planning and preparation.
Thank you to Chuck Frauendienst of the Modern Woodmen of America for their financial support.
A special note of thanks goes to Don Osell in providing lively descriptions of our towns founding father, and for sharing the story of Joseph R. Brown with so many others in our area.
Another special note of thanks goes to Kati Powell for sharing her talents and dear friend, the star of the evening Alison England. She came into town as a stranger, but so easily connected with our community.
It was a magical night!
The people of Henderson are to be congratulated.
Your sense of community and generosity is truly wonderful! Thank you.
Terry Bovee,
President
J. R. Brown Heritage Society

A simple suggestion

Dear Editor:
After watching the police chief debacle over the last six months or so, Im offering a simple suggestion: Name Eric Karels interim chief with a probationary period for the permanent position.
Then we can be done with this nonsense and move on to other important issues.
Keith Swenson,
Henderson

Dear Editor:
I have a short list of men I want around when trouble starts. Chief Aldrich is at the top of that list. It bothers me to witness the disrespect shown him by the Mayor and City Council.
Keith Swenson,
Henderson

Leave vendettas at home

Dear Editor:
What is our City Council up to now? In a recent meeting or workshop (I fail to see the difference), the council so antagonized and micro-managed the police department that we have now lost our FREE on-call coverage. Let me explain.
Chief Aldrich and Officer Karels used the squad car when they worked for FREE on-call. Yes, I said FREE. These officers chose to be on-call for FREE from roughly 3:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and have been doing so for years.
Note to council: This equaled roughly 14 hours of FREE on-call coverage per day. (My day job is helping 4th and 5th graders with math).
On occasion, Officer Karels drove the car to the bus garage (his FREE on-call service did get interrupted by his job as school bus driver) and left it there until he returned to resume his FREE on-call service. Police Chief Aldrich condoned this as it provided the most continuous police coverage possible. This certainly demonstrates the pride and commitment our police officers have in their jobs and in the Henderson community.
Apparently the council didnt see it that way.
I believe they thought Officer Karels was reaping some personal gain from parking the squad car at the bus garage. They proceeded to micro-manage Henderson out of this FREE on-call service.
Now, during celebrations, parades, domestics in the middle of the night, emergencies/incidents at MNCS and Hilltop, funeral processions, any event requiring a police officer during the hours between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the Henderson community will have a probable 20 minute response time from the Sibley County Sheriffs department and pay $45 per hour for service.
What are these council members thinking?
Henderson cannot afford this nonsense. I say leave your petty, personal agendas/vendettas (and possible job search?) at home and start doing the business to which you were elected.
Julie Determan,
Henderson

WHY I CALL HENDERSON HOME

Dear Editor:
No one has asked but Im going to tell you anyhow. Its because its the best place we could find to raise our children and live our lives among some of the finest folks weve ever found.
Our choice to make Henderson home came after we conducted our business here for several months. We got to know the spark of humanity that permeated literally every nook and cranny of the town. There was the dream of returning a decaying river town to a vibrant community at every turn and over the years we watched that dream come true.
The decision making process to make Henderson our home started one day on our daily trip to town to pick up our mail. We walked into the restaurant next to the post office to find a greeting committee. There they were: from the drug store with Harold Smith, the Superintendent of Schools, Bob Fossum, the Mayor, Keith Swenson, Post Mistress, Margaret Almquist, and a lineup of others who came to the Dabbler Cafe to greet us and ask, Who are You folks.
There had been an article in the Wall Street Journal about our business that gave Henderson, Minnesota as the only contact information. Each of the Henderson residents standing there asking the who are you question had received dozens of inquiries as to how they could make contact with us.... And our love affair with Henderson began right there.
That was in 1982, some 29 years ago.
Over those years we have watched with wonder and admiration for the town, its people, their courage, their willingness to pull together to make great things happen. A fully restored Main Street, thriving retailers, pulling together to transform formerly vacant, decaying buildings into a functioning Main Street, the envy of many other small towns in the Minnesota River Valley.
This was done by leadership from the top... A mayor by the name of Keith Swenson, an entrepreneur in the person of Doug Thomas, community leaders such as Don Bender, to be followed by son, Tom and wife LaDonna and a very long list of folks who understood if there was to be a future for the community it was going to take work, hard work, risk and a desire to make a future for themselves and their children in a safe, clean and protected community.
And now we come to the election of 2010 when it appears all that has been accomplished could be at risk. A small group of individuals took democracy in hand and campaigned hard enough to win election giving Henderson a new mayor and city council. To say inexperience is their mantra is evident by their actions and as they go about displaying their naivete as they attempt to dismantle city government by removal of its central control in the the person of city administrator Lon Berberich, destroy our law enforcement program by forcing the early exit of about to retire Chief Chester Aldrich and completely reorganize the city water, sewer, and maintenance departments by playing Head Chief in Charge that if continued, could be described as .... inexperienced politicians run amuck.
My advise to Mayor Tim Nytes and the newly elected council members: Learn something about the task you have been elected to do before you start changing things. At least understand what your actions mean to the community you represent.
If the proposals of the personnel committees March 2nd meeting is a demonstration of the competence present in this current administration the whole town is in trouble. It demonstrates dangerous inexperience is at the helm. The explanation of the personnel committee proposal (as articulated in the March 9th meeting) demonstrates the need for a refresher course in basic arithmetic might be a starter. And if the reshuffle of that personnel committee is supposed to be a fix for the situation there is also a serious lack of judgement and problem solving.
Again, my advice: Back off and get a grip on the job before you destroy this City, its nearly three decades of progress that has been the envy of the entire Minnesota River Valley and my home.
Dolores Hagen,
Henderson

COUNCIL NEEDS TO INCLUDE PUBLIC INPUT

Dear Editor:
The March 9, 2011 Henderson City Council meeting left a lot of people, both the public in attendance and elected officials, wondering what was going on with the issue of city police chief and administrator positions. The confusion wasnt surprising to me given the apparent lack of a process allowing the public to effectively participate in this matter.
It has been my experience in public governance that when public officials tackle big issues without requesting public input, the public responds with doubt, frustration and mistrust. In the future, I would suggest opening the decision-making process to the public as follows: 1) clearly describe the issue, 2) state the potential impacts the issue may have on citizens, 3) note how the public can provide input on the issue, 4) state the desired timeline and finally, 5) provide the public with sufficient notice of meetings, workshops, public hearings or other such meetings that the public may want to attend concerning the issue.
I hope the city council understands the value of a well thought out and transparent procedure for including public input on issues. Shared information, shared knowledge and shared responsibility leads to trust that will help us all work together through these trying times.
Terry Bovee,
Henderson

CLOSING HILLTOP WOULD CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS

Dear Editor:
Dear Editor:
We would like to emphasize to our fellow residents of the Le Sueur-Henderson School District that we ARE Le Sueur-Henderson. We need to be united in our commitment to the education of our students.
Our district is very fortunate that our communities are only six miles apart. The school board, administration and teachers have worked very hard to be fiscally responsible and do their best to maintain and improve the education of our students. State funding is NOT doing it, so schools are forced into the unenviable position of going to the voters and asking them to increase their own taxes.
Please check the FACTS on the consequences of referendum failure and the potential tax increase for your particular property. If you would like further information on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, please accept Superintendent Rich Hansons invitation to contact him at school. Its very exciting! Preparing students for the world they will face is challenging.
The STEM program at Hilltop would put our school at the forefront of this style of education and open up opportunities for students that few other districts offer.
If you are not familiar with the Hilltop school and the surrounding land, please check it out. It is a true gem.
The majority of Henderson area residents would, undoubtedly, prefer to see the pre-K - 5th program continue at Hilltop, but also see the potential of the open concept configuration as ideal for the 4th and 5th grade STEM program. How can we look at that school site and NOT take advantage of its assets? With the inevitable need for ongoing maintenance, how can we justify allowing it to sit empty and deteriorate?
Keep an open mind as to what impact the increased tax levy would truly have on your life. How important do you consider the education of our kids? How important do you feel good schools are to our communities?
Most people have heard the old adage - It takes a village to raise a child. It takes the cooperation of our villages to educate our children. We take pride in the success of our students. We can take pride in ourselves as we provide this much needed financial support.
Our kids. Our schools. Our commitment!
PLEASE vote Yes to question 1 and 2 for the operating levy referendum on November 8.
Ron and Barb Walters,
Henderson