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We have hit a critical time in our deployment calculator. Thanksgiving!! It is known that many of us countdown to deployment, countdown to the time we get into our base, and the time we are leaving for home. The latter being the most important.
I try not to countdown the entire deployment, but take it in chunks. The first being my Rest & Recuperation (R&R) or vacation from here, the second Thanksgiving, third is Christmas and New Years, and last getting out of here. Another trick I learned was to count the weeks before the exact days, once we get into the single digit weeks I will switch to days. All of this is a key to staying positive.
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Thanksgiving at FOB Leatherneck was way better than I expected. It is always tough being away from family, especially for significant events like Thanksgiving but the bond I have formed with people here made it a bit easier.
Our noon meal was like being at your favorite buffet. I could not say no to all of the food that was being handed to me. We had roast beef cut straight from the bone, roast turkey, ham, shrimp cocktail, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, egg nog, ice cream, and much more!
After our meal we had a Battalion flag football tournament. Our company took second. It was a great way to end the afternoon and to end a pretty good Thanksgiving. |
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It’s Thanksgiving Day already, and though it’s a year that might seem that there was little to be thankful for, with the recession and all, I am very thankful for my life in Waseca County, Minnesota.
When I was a little girl living in the corner house on Wells and Weide Streets in St. Paul, I played dolls with my two friends, Sharon and Karen. We spent one whole summer making houses and businesses for our storybook dolls—out of discarded cardboard boxes, snippets of cloth, string, masking tape (Karen’s father worked for 3M), and any little junk from around our houses! We were not only playing house, we were playing town. Karen ran our general store. Sharon had a beauty parlor, and I made a little church. These were our essentials. I never dreamed then that I would grow up to live in a small town. But I wouldn’t trade my life in Waseca for anything. Now I live on Main Street (N. State Street) in a house that also has a flower shop, and I help manage the local history museum! This is what I realized this week as Thanksgiving was approaching, and this is just some of what I am grateful.
And while most of us will eat more than we need to on Thanksgiving Day, let us be grateful that we have enough to eat. I am always surprised when I hear about how many do not, and they are among us right here in our community. But then our community always come forward for the fundraisers--the generosity in our community is wonderful. So let us be thankful, let us be together, let us pray for peace, safety and wellness. Let us be positive and have hope. What are you grateful for?
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Notice the name of Waseca School Board member Mike Gehloff and current Waseca Varsity Wrestling Coach Brad Lechner in this article from 25 years ago!
As a rule, a high school wrestling team that loses eight athletes to graduation faces a rebuilding year.
Time will tell for sure, but the 1984-85 Waseca Bluejays just might be an exception to the rule. The Bluejays, who went 9-3-1 last year while winning the South Central Conference dual-meet title, saw eight seniors graduate last spring -- or two thirds of the starting lineup.
The returning cast, however, gives reason for optimism.
The returning letter winners include senior Brad Lechner, who last year went 26-4 while placing fourth in the Class AA State Tournament. Mike Gehloff, 20-4 as a freshman, also returns, as do seniors James Hayes and Jon Reger. Last year's B-Squad, by the way, compiled a 16-2-2 record.
- 25 years ago, November 22, 1984, Waseca County News
Winter sports are here: Hockey, Wrestling, Basketball, and Gymnastics: get a schedule and get out and see the kids perform! Minnesota State, Mankato: Bethany Lutheran: Gustavus: St. Olaf: and Carlton College have great local kids as well!
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I went to the Notre Dame vs. Navy game this past November 7th, fun stuff! I thought of the traditions, the legends, the enthusiasm, the crowds, the swagger of success, etc. I am impressed but the facts are ND doesn't win like the old days! A major problem when you have the swagger of Number One!
I have always been aware of the lore of the Four Horseman and the Seven Mules at Notre Dame! What I did not know is the famous Four Horseman were not large people, in fact none of the four were taller than 6' and no one weighed more than 162 pounds! Small in stature but larger in results and legend! The record for Notre Dame with the four Horseman in the back field was 28-2, two losses came at the hands of Nebraska! So, if you are normal, get out and participate, winners come in all sizes and shapes! Go Irish
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Hello again from Afghanistan. Since the last time I wrote I have been home for a few weeks and am now back to my base. It was great to be home and see all of the changes that have happened with my family. It was sure great to be with my wife and kids for that time.
My wife is sure an awesome person and is doing an amazing job of keeping the family together and moving smoothly while I am gone. She is an inspiration and one of my heroes.
They often say that our families back home have it much harder than we do here and I believe that. She is doing the duty of both parents and is responsible for the two of us. She is going to school full time while getting three of our kids off to school. She is getting the kids to their after school activities as well as doing her homework. I am a lucky guy to have her. We recently celebrated our 5th Anniversary, this being the third one that I have missed due to deployments.
As I said I am back here in Afghanistan and trying to now get used to another climate change, this time the COLD! I know it is hard to believe that in the middle of a desert a person can be cold but it is. The nightly temp reaches around 45 degrees. I am the first to admit that just because I am from Minnesota I still think it is cold.
The Army has done a good job of issuing us some good cold weather gear, which I use with a big smile on my face. I was trying to think the other day whether I liked the cold more than the heat and after asking some of my buddies we agreed the cold was better.
As my mother taught me it is better to have on layers and take them off than not have enough and get sick. One improvement is that they hooked a hot water heater up to our showers! It is now a pleasure to take a shower.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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We can identify the men in this photograph, but what was “Auto Day” about 100 years ago?
Identified are Dr. Hagen, in his Buick; Dr. Batchelder driving a Ford; C.O. Gilbertson driving a Packard; Harold Sunde,a Rambler; Frank Kiesler in a Maxwell; A. N. Tyrholm driving his Ford; Dr. Batchelder's old high wheeler, blacksmith Adams driving; and A. J. Tyrholm, in an International.
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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and welcome to Widespread Panic,
While it seems rather counterintuitive I would have to say that we are should be remembered as one of the greatest periods in Waseca's history. While the sports scene had been phenomenal and the music scene is great it is much bigger than that. What makes this time so great is that there is a groundswell of change that has overtaken our community. Some of it is normal constructive change, much more is the result of reacting to outside forces that have reshaped our world.
As I look around I see the institutions that have made this city our choice to live, work and play - the place we chose above all others, those core institutions are changing. Our employers, our schools, our churches, community organizations are remaking themselves to deal with the reality of 2009, but much more importantly they are preparing themselves to deal with the realities of 2010-2019.
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I am excited most by those that are going additive changes - those institutions that are asking what is our mission, how do we accomplish it, what do we need to make it happen. Others are going about reductive change, what do I need to cut to get to my number. Both ways can be successful - but only one method moves the ball down the field. The truth is when you are at the bottom or at least a low point the cost of change goes down dramatically. There is no better time for a new hairdo then when your boyfriend just dumped you, no better time to start your own business than when you lose your job, no better time to learn how to swim than when you fall over the side of the boat. It would be great to take a snapshot of where we are today, a copy of the roadmap that folks are putting together to move themselves and us down the road and throw them in a time capsule for 20 years, I suspect they will clearly show this positive pivot in action.
Roy had a great column in last weeks paper about dealing with the tough issues facing us and he was right when he said that some will do the heavy lifting and others will stay home. My nominations for this weeks heavy lifters are Larry Thompson, Brooke Halla and Father Marty even if he did sing Iron Man when I asked for Freebird (...sorry for the inside joke). There are also many unsung heroes who are rebuilding there family budget at a fraction of what it used to be, there are those who are taking on a bigger load at work, and those who let another car out in front of them simply because they realize we are all in this together. Do what you can and take pride in the collaborative work that is being accomplished.
We all know that this Thanksgiving will be a little more introspective than most as we struggle with where we are or appreciate what we have just a little more because we understand that it is much more fleeting than we ever suspected. But I challenge you all to spend 5 minutes considering those long standing institutions in our community - our churches, our schools, our employers, our government our families. Remember how they have stood through much worse trials than this before and take solace in the fact that they are what have held us humans together, enriched our lives, shown us the path through the ages. Give them a plug as you bow your head before the turkey starts flying.
And now for something shiny.
Stay alert, stay alive.
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Well, I wish I had an awesome subject to interest everyone this time around, but my time's been drained for the most part, and I haven't had a chance to get out and do anything. This Wednesday I actually have some free time, so I am hoping to do a proper band review. I will also do more interviews in the future, because I got such a positive reaction with my piece on Jon Lucca. Is there any local act you'd like to hear more about? Feel free to comment or shoot me an e-mail.
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This weekend at PJs Tavern, there isn't a whole lot of diversity, unfortunately. I'm not sure what is going on with them. Anyhow, they are having DJs mix up some dance favorites on Friday, November 20th, Saturday the 21st, and Wednesday the 25th.
If you're looking for some live entertainment, Katie O'Leary's is having the band Rush Hour on Friday night, and I Got Issues (IGI) on Saturday. I couldn't find any information on Rush Hour. I hear that IGI is pretty decent, but beyond that I still don't know much about them either.
Then at Club 57 they'll be showing UFC 106, the big fight between Oritz and Griffin. This event starts at 8:00p.m., not the usual 9:00, so if you want to go see a couple of guys beat each other up in glorious high definition, here's your opportunity. On Wednesday the 25th, TNT will be playing at Club 57. TNT is an AC/DC tribute band. I gave them a listen and I must admit that I appreciate the lead singer's effort. He does a better job than a lot of tribute vocalists I've heard, and they are not easy vocals to replicate.
And I know this may sound cheesy, but I am looking forward to the Christmas Train. I hear they'll have some live music and theatrics for the public to enjoy.
Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving everyone!
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Waseca Girls Cross Country made waves this past season with the State Title! Wow! The pessimist would point out that the change in class made a big difference in the result: True in winning the team title but false in the fact that Waseca girls had a great team! 2008 team was close to making the AA state meet, this 2009 team was as good if not better and would have been close if not a AA State participant! Great team no matter the class! Congrats to the members /coaches/fans!
Did you know? Area individuals have made a name for themselves at the State C/C meet in the past. In 1970 Dan Lyndgaard won the title with a time of 15:11, he followed up the next season in 1971 with another victory in 15:34: Dan ran for New Richland and the titles came when all schools were in the same class! WOW! In 1974 Dave Tappe from New Richland finished second by less than 2 seconds in 15:23! The venue was 3 miles held at The U of M Golf Course! 1980 same location but now 5000 meters but Class AA, Wasecan Todd Moxley finished second in a time of 15:47! 1990 Shawn Schmidknecht of Waseca was second at 5000 meters in 16:40 Class A at U of M. Great sport with great coaches and individuals! |
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I was amused by Republican Governor Pawlenty’s recent suggestion that we amend the state constitution to prohibit any expenditure greater than the revenue collected in the previous year.
Like so many of his ideas, it sounds on the surface to be a reasonable idea – hold the line of spending. But on closer examination, you have to wonder how serious the Governor is about enacting this proposal – since it requires a vote of the legislature (now controlled by the Democrats) and then a vote of the electorate in the coming general election. Even if both of those obstacles are overcome, this policy would not take effect until after Pawlenty leaves office. Accordingly, I have a few questions for the Governor.
- If this is such a great idea, why didn’t you think of it eight years ago when you first took office?
- If this proposal is – as you stated – “consistent with your philosophy and results”- why is the projected budget deficit twice as large as the one you started with eight years ago?
- In your eight years in office, have you ever presented the legislature with a budget that held to the previous year’s tax revenue?
- Are you prepared to submit such a budget to the legislature this coming January?
- During your eight year tenure, when the legislature sent you spending measures that exceeded the previous year’s revenue, why didn’t you use your veto pen to cut those bills down to size?
- When you had a chance to “unallot” earlier this year, why did you shift roughly $2 billion in spending into the next budget year making it the next Governor’s problem?
Shouldn’t you instead have honestly cut spending by $2 billion?
- Because our tax revenues are closely tied to the economy, couldn’t this proposed policy actually lead to excessive revenue and higher spending in times of economic growth (as they say, beware of unintended consequences)?
- And, finally, this gimmicky idea – designed to make you “look” like a fiscal conservative – wouldn’t have anything to do with your presidential ambitions, would it?
That is my two cents.
Tim Penny
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While I have not been on Facebook in many months, I can't help but notice people habitually posting photos of me that are less than flattering. I would like to lay down a few ground rules....please only post pictures of me that meet the following criteria (note my profile photo)
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1. I should look thin, therefore, utilize photos more than three years old (or) utilize photoshop, if you do not have Photoshop, find someone who does (or) do not post photo.
2. I should be dressed in a reasonably attractive outfit that does not make me appear to be expecting our 11th child. Notice that while camping, I wear anything that does not smell foul, therefore refer back to (1) where we discussed Photoshop.
3. I should not be making strange faces due to (a) eating something sour (b) talking to someone while you took my picture (c) concentrating on something. Strange faces typically are not easily remedied by Photoshop, therefore, ignore number (1) on this one.
4. I should be wearing make-up, I do not typically wear makeup while camping, which seems to be the only time anyone wants to take my picture, therefore refer back to (1) Photoshop.
5. The ideal photo of me (note profile photo) would be taken just after leaving the Juan Juan Eber (sp?) salon in Beverly Hills and posing with my friend Oscar. Notice the cute outfit (thanks mom) the cute sunglasses, the fabulous hair, and that I am wearing makeup.
I do realize it may be unfair that this is the only picture of me taken in the last five years that is acceptable to post (without Photoshop) and that it may be an unrealistic portrait of a woman with 10 kids, but aren't we all allowed our fantasies? Blessings! -DeAnna
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| The Internet is full of info if you really want to do research. Granted correct info in allows correct answers out! I have watched Waseca play many foes in years past, I liked playing Rochester, Mankato, Faribault, etc in all sports. Former Bluejay Coach Roger Stippel wanted Waseca to move to the Big Nine Conference so we could play the best in all sports on a consistent level. I admit I thought it to be a stretch but worth consideration.
Size of school determines which Class a school is in, therefore who your competition to go to State is based on numbers. Waseca Football played in Class 3A with 566 students according to the Minnesota State High School League website: Kasson Mantorville has 561: Blue Earth 355: Washburn 726: Belle Plaine 442: St. Peter 519: Fairmont 535: etc.
Waseca use to play 4A Football against Albert Lea 911: Austin 1044: Faribault 1064: Winona 1090: Northfield 1199: Red Wing 833!
I was impressed with KM Saturday night! Their speed and confidence was admirable and their execution was great! My brain says why are we playing KM and not the big schools? The numbers and my eyes show the answer, we belong in Class 3A and we need to get better to compete with the good ones! Fun season boys and Coaches: hit the weight room, start running, get better, and make it back to the FB State again next season, please! |
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On November 11, 1918—The Great War ended
From Waseca County Minnesota in the World War published by the “Waseca Radical,” May 1919
“German envoys signed the allied armistice terms at Senlis at 5 a.m., Paris time, which took effect at 11 a.m., Paris time (6 a.m. New York time). . . . President Wilson reads the terms of the German armistice to congress in joint session, and announces the end of the war. . . .
Thousands of American heavy guns fired the parting shot at the Germans at exactly 11 a.m. At many batteries the artillerists joined hands, forming a long line, as the lanyard of the final shot. There were a few seconds of silence as the shells shot thought the heavy mist. Then the gunners cheered. American flags were raised by the soldiers over their dugouts and guns and at the various headquarters. Individual groups unfurled the Stars and Stripes, shook hands and cheered.”
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Welcome back to my second-hand interview with Jon Lucca from The Schmoejoes! The remainder of the interview has to do mostly with Waseca’s music scene. Since this was all recorded during the end of the interview, and a few drinks had been consumed, I had to sift from a lot of half-thoughts to get some full answers. I think you’ll enjoy what I have here, and I’ll follow it up with what’s going on this weekend, including a book exchange on Sunday at the request of the constant Waseca County News website commenter, onevoice. You’re welcome, onevoice!
So, to continue. My next question to Jon Lucca was to describe the fan base of The Schmoejoes, and their ideal fan base.
“The people who apparently best connect with us are teenage girls, and over 50 year old guys. That's kind of, really odd,” he laughed. He attributed their successful appeal to a variety of people by the fact that they don’t write songs that fit a single genre, but span their songs in a variety of styles. “The ideal fan base would be anyone who is tired of hearing the same old stuff all of the time,” Jon replied.
I asked him (my husband actually asked on my behalf, as I was sick, if you’ll recall) about what sort of feedback or criticism The Schmoejoes have gotten.
“People have not really criticized us that much. Oddly enough, it is my old band mates from The Lovejoys that are the first to dive on me about anything. That is actually why that band broke up, because we were three songwriters, three guys that could support a single band. My friend Pat is probably the most honest music-wise,” explained Jon intently. He continued, “I listen to every criticism. My wife — there are a few songs that she doesn’t like. I take her opinion very seriously. I always listen to her, but do I do what she tells me to do? No, not all the time.”
Then the topic turned to Southern Minnesota, and Waseca specifically. I wanted to know the difficulties that are presented to local acts, particularly those that write and play original music. My next question was about how local bands can go about promoting their music, and what The Schmoejoes do for promotion.
“As far as promo goes, I'm pretty lazy. I do as much internet promotion as possible. Twitter actually is probably the most useful one as far as the far-reaching promo,” he admitted. He went into how difficult band promotion is, with, “I’m not going to poster the town. There’s not that many places to put posters. Putting up fliers is exhausting, and there’s ordinances that prevent you from legally doing it. Doing promotion in Southern Minnesota is pretty terrible. There’s the Buzz, and they put the ads in, but as far as finding out what to do around town, there’s nothing.”
I wasn’t sure if I should resent that statement, but since my blog is rarely complete as far as covering everything that is going on, I decided that I couldn’t really take it as an insult.
The interview finally wrapped up with a question on how Waseca can help its local musicians.
“I feel like I’m part of the Waseca underground, and the Waseca overground are a bunch of people from out of town,” Jon lamented. “There’s a ton of music down here, but it’s so under appreciated.”
He described a powerful, musical bonding experience, saying, “I went over to Jerome Braten's house and payed an impromptu family jam, and it was the most beautiful thing that I've done musically in my life. I wanted to share it with everybody. There should be an outlet for that. But bar owners know that bands are not going to sell alcohol. Sometimes bar owners need to just look at what's in front of them and see what's here in town. Not all of it’s good, but some of it’s awesome.”
Jon finished with a moment of pride for his band, and their inherent originality and appeal.
“I’d put The Schmoejoes up against any cover band. I believe in the power of the ‘joes!”
So that’s it for Jon Lucca and our third-party interview. I hope you enjoyed it! Now, on to the weekend.
PJ’s Tavern is having a DJ both Friday, November 13th and Saturday the 14th. There will also be a dart tournament at PJ’s on Saturday, with sign-up at noon. The cost is $10 to join. At Club 57, Arrows at Dawn will be playing Friday night. Arrows at Dawn is an all-original band from Blooming Prairie. A quick listen brought me to the conclusion that they have a nice late 90’s sound, but little diversity in their chord progressions. Also at Club 57, Billy and the Bangers will play on Saturday. The most information I could find about them is that they play “classic blues with an edge.” Finally, on Saturday, The Fabulous Love Handles are going to play at Katie O’Leary’s. This band is gigantic (guitar, keyboard, saxophone, several harmony vocals, plus more) and they play covers from the 60’s onward. On their songlist there were not a whole lot of songs that I recognized, but I’d be interested to hear their version of “Whiter Shade of Pale.”
And to conclude, I am hosting a book exchange in the meeting room at Crossings Inn and Suites on Sunday, November 15th from 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. If you’ve never been to one before, they are a lot of fun. All you have to do is bring in books that you no longer want to keep, and trade them for books that interest you. I have a big box that I’ll be contributing personally, so you’ll be sure to find something. As I had to cover the ad in the Buzz on my own, I am not able to provide refreshments this time around, beyond the already-available coffee. Still, this is a great opportunity to get to know other book lovers in town and to recycle books, because if you’re like me, you can’t bring yourself to throw them away. All ages are welcome, and I’ll be bringing in a few children’s books. Tell your friends! I look forward to seeing you!
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Sports and the venue it creates is a big deal in many small towns in our country! A good football team is about as good as it gets, I am of the old school who believes that a football team winning is the the real deal for a community: the fun, excitement, the pride is the best it can be! Everyone gets a chance to be part of it! The band, cheerleaders, individuals from the other fall sports teams, parents, alumni, even the bus driver is excited about playoffs and the potential trip to the big show! Great stuff isn't it?
This weekend get out and watch the Bucs and the Bluejays strut their stuff on the big stage! Waterville has been this level before, I know they have high expectations! Waseca is in new territory and I think hungry for recognition as one of the best ever in Waseca football! Good luck Coach Jon Bakken and Coach Brad Wendland! Enjoy the day with your squad and fans!
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First off, I have to give a little insight into how I got this story. I
have been sick for the last week - so sick that I'm now taking vampire
antibiotics (as in, stay out of prolonged sunlight while taking these
pills). This, in turn, put a lot of pressure on my husband to take care of
the family. To relieve some of that pressure, he wanted to go out and
spend some time with his friend, and leader of The Schmoejoes, Jon Lucca.
So, in order to have something interesting for my blog, I sent some
questions with my husband so he could interview Lucca, which he did, and
recorded with his amazing iPhone. He brought me back approximately two
hours of conversation.
So what you're reading today is an incredibly stripped down, weeded
out version of that conversation, with the expletives either changed or
deleted. I wish I could sell copies of this on CD or something, because it
was a lot of fun to listen to. I actually have so much material, that I've
decided to cut this blog into two parts. So this is part one of the Jon
Lucca/Schmoejoes interview.
My initial area of interest was in the creation of the band name.
"I did not come up with the band name," Lucca clarified. "My friend
kind of has this weird dyslexia thing where he mixes up two different
phrases, and, he was like, "Why don‚t we call ourselves Joe Schmoe and the
Schmoejoes?‚ and we were like, That‚s it!‚ That was eighteen years ago.
Years later I moved down here and was like 'What should I call my band
now?' I always liked Joe Schmoe and the Schmoejoes, except that was way
too long, so, it was The Schmoejoes."
Next I asked him what he likes about playing shows in Waseca.
"I love playing Waseca. I do. It's odd, because I don't think I'd feel
as comfortable playing some random bar in some random town, but because I
live here I can feel the ownership of it. This is my town. Driving home
five blocks from here, that just rocks," Lucca illuminated.
I asked Jon where he liked to play in Waseca, and why.
"Barden's is the bar that reminds me of Northeast Minneapolis where I
spent my normative years. Barden's is so low key compared to other places
in town. You come here to drink, or you come here to talk. Everybody here
knows everybody else, but if you're the new guy, it doesn't matter. It's
totally loose." declared Lucca admiringly.
When asked to describe their sound, he replied, "I used to describe us
as getting drunk with Tiny Tim at Jimmy Page's neighbor's house. We're
sort of tongue-in-cheek pop. We're kind of like a cover band that plays
originals. If you appeal to someone's sense of familiarity, that's half
the battle right there. If you can give them something familiar, but
something new, that's the best of both worlds."
As a wife of a local band member, I know that bands like to network
and check out other local musicians. I asked him to name a few local acts
that he likes or dislikes.
"There is of course Paraphasia, which I love," he began, partially as
a shout out to my husband's band, since he was the one presenting the
questions. "There's the Arrows at Dawn guys, they're almost like Green
Day, or Foo Fighters meets Green Day. There was a band from Owatonna that
I dug called The Movies. I really liked the Gin Daddy's when they were
still together. Jason Madson did a few songs live with us at Lakefest.
Marcus Penny's band - I love them! Marcus is a good, down to earth guy. I
think he's phenomenally talented." And as for bands he doesn't like, he
continued, "I actually heard one song by the White Iron Band, which is a
terrible band name. It's kind of like a Toby Keith song, but it's about
Minnesota. It sounds like somebody singing about Tennessee, but it was
about Minnesota." He also described the song as "red-necky."
I should note (and Luca does in the interview) that all of the bands
he mentioned are mainly original artists. Stop by next week to see what
Jon Lucca of the Schmoejoes had to say about cover bands, other local
venues, and the lack of promotional opportunities. I may have to do a part
3, just to showcase the really bittersweet story behind their song
"Firefly."
With that, I'll continue on to the weekend. PJs Tavern is taking it
easy with a DJ both Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th.
At Club 57, The Mason Dixons will be playing Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. The
Mason Dixons describe themselves as "country-rock that shakes the rafters
and then lets the dust settle with moving dancehall numbers." They play
"high energy country favorites and amazing originals."
Then at Katie O' Leary's, they're having 70's night on Friday. I'm told this is a fun theme
night, and since your only other option is a DJ, this looks like the event
to participate in. On Saturday they'll host The Murphy Brothers Band who will provide high energy rock. They're influenced by classic rock artists like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn, and if their videos are an indicator, they put on an awesome live show.
Thanks for reading, and look in next week as I continue with more
input from Jon Lucca of the Schmoejoes!
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Good Evening Waseca,
First off it is clear that my prognostication skills are sub-par at best, but anyone in my fantasy football league can attest to that. I did not see that level of turnout coming - I offer a huge round of applause to the citizens of the district for turning out in such huge numbers!
The huge buzz in the WCN comments section continued through the day - the level of involvement from both sides is another testament to citizenry of Waseca. Great thoughts, a few needles and already efforts being launched to deal with the new reality (or is it the same reality - just confirmed via vote?).
A couple of my thoughts:
I had a nice conversation with Cathy Hoy, while not excited about the outcome she is ready to go to work to make the schools function at the funding level we have. Her continued enthusiasm and drive will be crucial - I suspect that is true of the other board members as well. I shared my thought of the board teaming up with Waseca's finest community group to brainstorm and implement changes in the school system, I later had a chance to speak with the president of that group and he was enthusiastic to help and was going to take it to the board - I suspect that this will be HUGE for Waseca!
One asset that the district has that will be crucial is John Huttemier. I had a chance to talk with him for about an hour at a referendum meeting and was so impressed. He spent 90% of the time listening and processing - when he did speak his knowledge of education was very deep. He has innovative ideas, is a critical thinker and tremendous enthusiastic passion. I see him as having the ability to build the consensus necessary to implement the changes needed to deliver the same high level of education and services. So I lobby the board to place him in a position to lead this effort.
My Libertarian rant - While I support teachers unions and credentials I do not support unions being afforded greater rights than other employees to dictate how an operation works and am definitely against state mandated credentials. Given the groundswell of support from online commentors to donate money to the district I suspect that there is equal or greater willingness to donate time in the classroom, coaching and whatever else it takes to maintain the high level of excellence in Waseca schools. What prevents them? Union contracts, and credentialing malarky. So much talent turned away at the door because state and national legislators have bowed to special interests in the name of protecting the public. A fie on all of them. This town is filled with engineers and accountants that would love to teach a section of math. Lots of folks that would love to teach an art or shop class and might even be more qualified than the teachers on staff but are stymied by silly bureaucrats.
My Libertarian ray of hope - a few years ago I was seriously considering a Math Monkey franchise. I suspect that as the gap between the level of education demanded by parents and what is offered by the state grows the private education market will flourish. Hopefully to the point where the state gets out of the business all together. The private market is not just businesses it includes home schoolers, foreign language clubs, boy scouts, soccer leagues, as well as places like Creative Hands and so much more.
Back to the funding issue - had the state kept funding at same level or even increased it through increased property taxes (or other spending cuts) I wonder if Waseca residents would have been concerned with the level of funding to our district. It would still be our tax dollars, the increase would have just been disguised a little better. That is the nefarious nature of government the farther away they are the bolder they act and the less we scrutinize. Give us back the 9th and 10th amendment damn it.
The flip side of the coin if the referendum had passed and then Pawlenty's replacement restored funding in 2011 the district would have been in the catbird seat. My understanding is that while the referendum would allow the district to levy at $1300 per student that can levy below that amount. Perhaps that topic should have been explored addressed a little further - along the lines of "we may need $1300 in years 4-6 but we will cap the levy at $850 in years 1-3". I don't know that it would have swayed enough voters but it may have come across a little more in tune with the economy.
One more thought - the school district owns Trowbridge park. Clearly it is not essential the districts mission of educating students. What would be the community response to the district offering the park for sale? I see this as being very different from Maplewood, and even in line with the vote on the referendum. I doubt that the city is in the position to purchase it - and using tax dollars to purchase it would be an end run.
Well if you bothered to read all of this I thank you. I encourage you to share some feedback in the comments, let me know if I am a quack or if there is a topic you would like to start here. We are not bound by news worthiness, or subject - so if you want to talk poker, music, family, religon, swap Iowa jokes or just about anything else I am always up for it.
Something shiny to give me for Christmas.
Stay alert, stay alive.
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In advance of tomorrows vote I present the first (and last) non-annual Referendum Awards
Strategic Planning Award – goes to the school board for holding the big enchilada (6 years $1300 student) referendum in an off election year.
Best Sign Award – Joel Groebner
Best Advocate – Todd Zimmerman narrowly beats out Randy based on quantity.
Best Opponent – Dan Cunningham – He is also a lock for my citizen of the year award, nobody in Waseca has worked harder at bringing about change than Dan has.
Best online comment in favor of: neversaynever 10/28/09 “After reading and listening to many people express concerns on how to vote, I had to add my feelings. I worked in the construction idustry for over 17 years. When the economy crashed so did my job. After appx. 80 applications and resumes sent, I have realized without a good education even the smallest of employers wouldn't consider me. Strong school systems are the foundations for our children. Good education=good decissionssports=challenges=goals=successsame goes for all that is offered in our schools. Lets give our kids a chance. I will vote yes for great teachers to help guide my children to a better future. As far as my taxes, I guess my kids won't get a cell phone or go to the mall. I think if we all(most of us) look deep that 25 to 50 dollars can be found by just staying home and having a little family time once or twice a month.”
Best Online Comment against: leafturner 10/26/09
“Inflation around the corner or is it already here?”
“Our students will get a good education with or without the
referendum. IT'S THE LAW.”
“I am trying to close the zipper on my purse, but to many hands in the way taking my money out.
Thanks for making us spread the wealth that we never had.”
Best Letter to the Editor: Tie – Kevin Hall and Leon Decker
Levy Prediction: Passes by less than 8% - 2300 votes cast
Where will we be in 6 years prediction: State funding will be up 15% and levy request on the referendum will be $900 for 4 years
What categories did I miss? Was onevoice sunubbed? Your predictions?
Something shiny.
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Until 1973, senior citizens on Social Security received no automatic cost of living (COLA) increase. Prior to the creation of a COLA, Congress would decide whether (or not) to increase Social Security payments. Because Congress tended to get overly generous with increases (especially during election years), double-digit percentage increases were not uncommon. So, in some respects, offering an annual COLA – pegged to the inflation rate – was deemed to be better, fairer and cheaper.
Last year, due to the recession, the cost of living went down by 4 percent. Accordingly, seniors are slated to get no COLA increase this coming year. And, in fairness, they should not get one. Yet, President Obama and members of Congress seem intent on giving retired seniors a pay raise anyway. Congress is currently considering a flat $250 payment to every retiree (rich or poor). That payment will cost the federal government $13 billion (money the government does not have given our huge deficit).
Bear in mind that seniors did get a 5.8 percent increase last year – one of the largest COLAs ever paid. Social Security beneficiaries also received a tax rebate under the stimulus bill passed before President Bush left office. And, they were recipients of extra payments under the stimulus plan passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama last February.
Compared to most workers in America, seniors are faring pretty well in this recession. Ten percent of working age Americans are presently unemployed with another roughly ten percent are underemployed. Few, if any, workers received a pay raise last year and prospects for pay raises this year are doubtful. Yet, these workers will be required to foot the $13 billion bill for this payment to retirees – through taxes in the future to repay today’s deficit spending.
This should not be a complicated decision for Congress. First, American workers are getting no pay raise. In fairness, neither should retirees. Second, the budget is already heavily in the red. We should not unnecessarily add to that debt. Third, the COLA was created to protect seniors from inflationary costs and this year the cost of living decreased. As a result, no Social Security increase is warranted.
Still, I predict Congress will heed President Obama’s call for a $250 payment to seniors – with money we do not have – because it is the popular thing to do.
That is my two cents. Tim
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