Monday, January 09, 2006
State of the City.
Duluth Politics will be at the address tonight and we will give our thougths on the speech and other events that will happen tonight.
Great comments by Senator Gram.
Senator Gram from South Carolina makes a great point about Alito. It does not matter what you personally believe such as abortion. It does not matter if you are for it or not personally it matter what the law is and says. Alito would have to make a deacon in this manner. Again it does not matter what he said in interviews there are opens and everyone can and should have one. I believe he will make decisions on the law not his personal opinion.
Senator Gram also said that it should not surprised anyone that President Bush nominated two conservative judges. President Clinton nominated two that were one the left on was a lawyer for ACLU.
Senator Gram also said that it should not surprised anyone that President Bush nominated two conservative judges. President Clinton nominated two that were one the left on was a lawyer for ACLU.
New teachers contract.
The teachers union to vote on Tuesday night. I expect that the teachers union will accept this contract.
What does this mean for the district? It does not seem to be to detrimental to the district. They are not giving up a lot. Is this good for the teachers or do they want or need more?
Teachers to vote on contract
DULUTH: The teachers union and school district reached a tentative agreement without a mediator.
BY JAKE WEYER
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Duluth teachers will decide Tuesday whether to accept a tentative contract agreement reached last month.
The agreement would give teachers a 2.5 percent salary increase during both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.
Administrators and the Duluth Federation of Teachers, which represents 800 teachers in the Duluth school district, struck the deal without a mediator -- something not accomplished in 25 years.
"This is a contract that is fair for all parties," said DFT President Frank Wanner.
If teachers approve the contract, the School Board will vote on Jan. 17 to ratify it. Minnesota school districts face reductions in state funding if contracts are not approved by that date.
Under the existing contract, the base teacher salary is $29,418. The new agreement would increase starting pay to $30,145 during the 2005-06 school year and $30,889 during the 2006-07 year.
Statewide, the average starting salary based on 124 districts reporting settlements is $30,857 during the first year and $31,700 during the second, according to the Minnesota School Boards Association.
The Minnesota Department of Education reports that the average salary for Duluth teachers is $49,483, compared to the state average of $47,361.
Teacher salaries are based on experience, academic credits and degrees earned. Coaches, advisers and site council team members receive additional pay.
The new contract includes no significant health-care changes, but prescription drug co-pays will increase from $8 to $10 during the second year, Wanner said.
Changes would be made to the elementary school workday under the new contract. Two potential adjustments are an earlier start for teachers and a 15-minute reduction in the maximum amount of instructional class time per teaching day.
The days of special-education teachers, Adult Basic Education and Area Learning Center instructors and music, art and media specialists also were modified in the contract.
No changes to the secondary school day are mentioned in the proposed contract. A "memorandum of understanding" about maintaining the existing middle school day was included.
Administrators and union officials talked about the high school day, but said they did not want to rush decisions. Instead, a committee was formed to evaluate what changes might be needed.
"Sitting across the bargaining table isn't the best place to come up with those solutions," Superintendent Keith Dixon said.
Committees also were formed to work on health insurance cost savings and other issues that needed further discussion.
A state-mandated report detailing the financial impact of the new contract will be completed before the board meets next week. Dixon said administrators and union officials had the district's financial well-being in mind.
"It's not to (the union's) advantage to drive the district into debt," he said.
Wanner will meet with teachers Monday to answer questions about the contract. After the last bell rings Tuesday, they can vote at select schools throughout the district. Teachers have until5 p.m. to cast a ballot, unless they vote at the DFT office, where polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Wanner expects the votes to be counted that evening
I need to make some comments about the Frank Wanner who is the president of the DFT.
I wish people would understand this guy does not care about the students he only cares about how much they get payed. He does not care if what they use to teach with is up to date or not, why would he is never at the school to teach.
Source:http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/local/13582879.htm
This guys only cares about money. He does not care about education or the how the kids get it all.
When does the union vote on there reps. Why do they keep electing him there leader? I know many teachers can't stand him and wish he was not the president. Now I know you will have that in any situration but it needs to be stated.
What does this mean for the district? It does not seem to be to detrimental to the district. They are not giving up a lot. Is this good for the teachers or do they want or need more?
Teachers to vote on contract
DULUTH: The teachers union and school district reached a tentative agreement without a mediator.
BY JAKE WEYER
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Duluth teachers will decide Tuesday whether to accept a tentative contract agreement reached last month.
The agreement would give teachers a 2.5 percent salary increase during both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.
Administrators and the Duluth Federation of Teachers, which represents 800 teachers in the Duluth school district, struck the deal without a mediator -- something not accomplished in 25 years.
"This is a contract that is fair for all parties," said DFT President Frank Wanner.
If teachers approve the contract, the School Board will vote on Jan. 17 to ratify it. Minnesota school districts face reductions in state funding if contracts are not approved by that date.
Under the existing contract, the base teacher salary is $29,418. The new agreement would increase starting pay to $30,145 during the 2005-06 school year and $30,889 during the 2006-07 year.
Statewide, the average starting salary based on 124 districts reporting settlements is $30,857 during the first year and $31,700 during the second, according to the Minnesota School Boards Association.
The Minnesota Department of Education reports that the average salary for Duluth teachers is $49,483, compared to the state average of $47,361.
Teacher salaries are based on experience, academic credits and degrees earned. Coaches, advisers and site council team members receive additional pay.
The new contract includes no significant health-care changes, but prescription drug co-pays will increase from $8 to $10 during the second year, Wanner said.
Changes would be made to the elementary school workday under the new contract. Two potential adjustments are an earlier start for teachers and a 15-minute reduction in the maximum amount of instructional class time per teaching day.
The days of special-education teachers, Adult Basic Education and Area Learning Center instructors and music, art and media specialists also were modified in the contract.
No changes to the secondary school day are mentioned in the proposed contract. A "memorandum of understanding" about maintaining the existing middle school day was included.
Administrators and union officials talked about the high school day, but said they did not want to rush decisions. Instead, a committee was formed to evaluate what changes might be needed.
"Sitting across the bargaining table isn't the best place to come up with those solutions," Superintendent Keith Dixon said.
Committees also were formed to work on health insurance cost savings and other issues that needed further discussion.
A state-mandated report detailing the financial impact of the new contract will be completed before the board meets next week. Dixon said administrators and union officials had the district's financial well-being in mind.
"It's not to (the union's) advantage to drive the district into debt," he said.
Wanner will meet with teachers Monday to answer questions about the contract. After the last bell rings Tuesday, they can vote at select schools throughout the district. Teachers have until5 p.m. to cast a ballot, unless they vote at the DFT office, where polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Wanner expects the votes to be counted that evening
I need to make some comments about the Frank Wanner who is the president of the DFT.
I wish people would understand this guy does not care about the students he only cares about how much they get payed. He does not care if what they use to teach with is up to date or not, why would he is never at the school to teach.
Source:http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/local/13582879.htm
This guys only cares about money. He does not care about education or the how the kids get it all.
When does the union vote on there reps. Why do they keep electing him there leader? I know many teachers can't stand him and wish he was not the president. Now I know you will have that in any situration but it needs to be stated.
Random thoughts on Mayor Bergson.
As Mayor Bergson get set to deliver his third state of the city tonight, I thought we would take some time to look back his what he has or has not done so far as Mayor.
Mayor Bergson like many have made promises. To this point he has not done anything about those promises.
The biggest one being that he would deal with the city health care issue. Okay so he and the city council set up a group of citizens to take a look at and see what we could do, now that is done and the Mayor refuses too agree with it. He refused to accept the groups study and now wants an independent study. We have to pay for that more then likely. The council and many of the citizens agree with the groups results.
The other big thing he wanted to do it brings jobs. There has only been jobs that pay minimum wage under his leadership. He along with many councilors also really only jobs they care to bring are non- profits.
More thoughts to come soon.
Mayor Bergson like many have made promises. To this point he has not done anything about those promises.
The biggest one being that he would deal with the city health care issue. Okay so he and the city council set up a group of citizens to take a look at and see what we could do, now that is done and the Mayor refuses too agree with it. He refused to accept the groups study and now wants an independent study. We have to pay for that more then likely. The council and many of the citizens agree with the groups results.
The other big thing he wanted to do it brings jobs. There has only been jobs that pay minimum wage under his leadership. He along with many councilors also really only jobs they care to bring are non- profits.
More thoughts to come soon.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Were are we going.
We need avery clear state of the city tomorrow. Mayor Bergson needs to be very clear on what he is going to do to move our city forward. In the last few month the city thanks to our Mayor has only received negative publicity. If you ask me he has not attacked and positive comments for our city in his term to this point.
Now more then ever is a time we need a Mayor that will be clear on the direction of the city is going to take. What is going to happen with the city health care plans? What can we do to attract new business to and expand our current ones, we also need to find a way to be more business friendly. What are the plans to keep people in Duluth. There is more to keeping people in a community then just jobs. Yes jobs are a big part and the most importing, but you also have to look what the community offers it's citizens in rec, and adult programs and youth programs. Many of these programs are funding by the will we continue to do so?
What are we going to do about the many social issues and economic issues that our city?
Mayor Bergson you need to very clear and win the citizens back if you want to continue to be Mayor. City councilor
I think city councilor Tim Little has it right: His statement from the Duluth News Tribune today, http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/13575256.htm.
"He has to give the public some kind of reassurance that we are going to get the city back on track, and we haven't gotten any reassurances lately," said At Large City Councilor Tim Little. "As far as I'm concerned, the city is in a very poor state of affairs right now.
"We don't have any leadership and it is getting worse every day. We are just not moving forward."
Now more then ever is a time we need a Mayor that will be clear on the direction of the city is going to take. What is going to happen with the city health care plans? What can we do to attract new business to and expand our current ones, we also need to find a way to be more business friendly. What are the plans to keep people in Duluth. There is more to keeping people in a community then just jobs. Yes jobs are a big part and the most importing, but you also have to look what the community offers it's citizens in rec, and adult programs and youth programs. Many of these programs are funding by the will we continue to do so?
What are we going to do about the many social issues and economic issues that our city?
Mayor Bergson you need to very clear and win the citizens back if you want to continue to be Mayor. City councilor
I think city councilor Tim Little has it right: His statement from the Duluth News Tribune today, http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/13575256.htm.
"He has to give the public some kind of reassurance that we are going to get the city back on track, and we haven't gotten any reassurances lately," said At Large City Councilor Tim Little. "As far as I'm concerned, the city is in a very poor state of affairs right now.
"We don't have any leadership and it is getting worse every day. We are just not moving forward."
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Why is this on the front page?
Shrouded in darkness
WEATHER: After a dozen days without sunlight, the Northland is poised to break a record.
This was a huge story in the Duluth News Tribune. Give me a break I am all for local issues being on the front page. Come on not seeing the sun this is not a major issue such as losing businesses, local issues such as the health care problem and others. This head line and story had no reason to be on the front page. If they really needed to even report this they could have put it in the local section of the paper.
WEATHER: After a dozen days without sunlight, the Northland is poised to break a record.
This was a huge story in the Duluth News Tribune. Give me a break I am all for local issues being on the front page. Come on not seeing the sun this is not a major issue such as losing businesses, local issues such as the health care problem and others. This head line and story had no reason to be on the front page. If they really needed to even report this they could have put it in the local section of the paper.
Michellina's closes it plant in Duluth
The plant will close March 6th. They employed 61 people and if they choice they will be given a chance to work at a lakeville plant.
As I read the story today in the paper I thought boy there goes more jobs and a plant that has been in Duluth for many years. I believe it was the only plant business left in Duluth. The other thing that gaught my eye in the story was the condition of the building.
My problem with it is this. Okay the building was old but is it not the businesses responsibility to keep it up as best they can? How long has the building been in this shape, did the owners allow it to get this way?
These are just a few things I was wondering about, anyone have a response?
Again I am sad for both the employer and employees. The owner has done so much for our community and will continue too. The employees will either have to look for new jobs or move to the lakeville plant and that is bad for Duluth.
I also found it interesting in the story that there will be new owners I did not know they were up for sale. Did that surprise anyone else or am I just out of loop on this one?
As I read the story today in the paper I thought boy there goes more jobs and a plant that has been in Duluth for many years. I believe it was the only plant business left in Duluth. The other thing that gaught my eye in the story was the condition of the building.
My problem with it is this. Okay the building was old but is it not the businesses responsibility to keep it up as best they can? How long has the building been in this shape, did the owners allow it to get this way?
These are just a few things I was wondering about, anyone have a response?
Again I am sad for both the employer and employees. The owner has done so much for our community and will continue too. The employees will either have to look for new jobs or move to the lakeville plant and that is bad for Duluth.
I also found it interesting in the story that there will be new owners I did not know they were up for sale. Did that surprise anyone else or am I just out of loop on this one?
Friday, January 06, 2006
Who is right or is it how you deceiver the news.
I saw this on a left leaning blog,http://bfuentes.blogspot.com/. I find it funny that he wrote this on his blog yet does not go any farther then just saying that the left use news story's and the right just use talking points. I guess he must be right after all if some one on the left says it, it must be true.
He has posted a couple of times about my blog on his and that is okay. He also post here every once is a while. The last time he posted here he was mad because I only posted part of an article. Yet I posted my source so all he had to do is go there and read the whole article.
Here is what he said and my responses. It was in regards to what Collin Powell said about eavesdropping. You can read my post about by clicking the link. http://duluthpolitics.blogspot.com/2005/12/powell-says-it-is-eavesdropping-is-ok.html
BFuentes said...
You should post everything he sadi if you truly want to be accurate.He added, "My own judgment is that it didn't seem to me, anyway, that it would have been that hard to go get the warrants. And even in the case of an emergency, you go and do it."
1:46 PM
D.N.H. said...
That is why my source is posted if people want to read the whole story they can do so. I have posted what I thought to be relevant. I always allow my source so people can go and read the whole story.
2:11 PM
BFuentes said...
That is what is called selective and deceptive posting
8:04 PM
D.N.H. said...
It is called managing the news and everyone does it. Newsoutlets radio talk show host and bloggers. Like I said before my source is there so you can go there and read the whole story. I am not hiding anything.
2:52 PM
D.N.H. said...
Why did you pick this story as appoesed to any other story I have reported on this blog? I have used parts of story's on many post you have not said a thing about that. Is it because, he supported eavesdropping which supported the president?
This is what he posted on his site about left and right leaning blogs.
Right vs. Left
As I read right wing and left wing blogs I notice something very important. The left wing blogs bring up facts, they post news articles. The right have their talking points. The don't base their arguments on facts or truth, they base it on the talking points they are provided with. Look at the right wing blogs, read them, become familiar with their arguments, learn the talking points. All they have are their lies and their talking points. We must expose these lies everywhere we can. The American people are only hearing the sound bites and talking points from the right. We have the truth, we have facts. Keep posting news articles. Even if only 2 people read my blog, we win. Every person that reads the truth will tell another person.Will we win? I don't know. If we don't, it isn't a country I want to live in. The right is leading us to a fascist, religious dictatorship. If people dont wake up an realize this now, then it may be too late to save our country. We have to fight. Now we can fight with knowledge. Soon we can fight at the ballot box. But we have learned that THEY control the ballot box. We must stand up, all of us. If we don't do it now, what will we have to do to stand up at a later date.
He has posted a couple of times about my blog on his and that is okay. He also post here every once is a while. The last time he posted here he was mad because I only posted part of an article. Yet I posted my source so all he had to do is go there and read the whole article.
Here is what he said and my responses. It was in regards to what Collin Powell said about eavesdropping. You can read my post about by clicking the link. http://duluthpolitics.blogspot.com/2005/12/powell-says-it-is-eavesdropping-is-ok.html
BFuentes said...
You should post everything he sadi if you truly want to be accurate.He added, "My own judgment is that it didn't seem to me, anyway, that it would have been that hard to go get the warrants. And even in the case of an emergency, you go and do it."
1:46 PM
D.N.H. said...
That is why my source is posted if people want to read the whole story they can do so. I have posted what I thought to be relevant. I always allow my source so people can go and read the whole story.
2:11 PM
BFuentes said...
That is what is called selective and deceptive posting
8:04 PM
D.N.H. said...
It is called managing the news and everyone does it. Newsoutlets radio talk show host and bloggers. Like I said before my source is there so you can go there and read the whole story. I am not hiding anything.
2:52 PM
D.N.H. said...
Why did you pick this story as appoesed to any other story I have reported on this blog? I have used parts of story's on many post you have not said a thing about that. Is it because, he supported eavesdropping which supported the president?
This is what he posted on his site about left and right leaning blogs.
Right vs. Left
As I read right wing and left wing blogs I notice something very important. The left wing blogs bring up facts, they post news articles. The right have their talking points. The don't base their arguments on facts or truth, they base it on the talking points they are provided with. Look at the right wing blogs, read them, become familiar with their arguments, learn the talking points. All they have are their lies and their talking points. We must expose these lies everywhere we can. The American people are only hearing the sound bites and talking points from the right. We have the truth, we have facts. Keep posting news articles. Even if only 2 people read my blog, we win. Every person that reads the truth will tell another person.Will we win? I don't know. If we don't, it isn't a country I want to live in. The right is leading us to a fascist, religious dictatorship. If people dont wake up an realize this now, then it may be too late to save our country. We have to fight. Now we can fight with knowledge. Soon we can fight at the ballot box. But we have learned that THEY control the ballot box. We must stand up, all of us. If we don't do it now, what will we have to do to stand up at a later date.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Twin ports book and bible goes out of business.
After more than 60 years of business, Twin Ports Bible and Book has reached its final chapter.
The owners of the largest Christian gift store in the region, Bill and Joyce Alworth, began liquidating their inventory this week and plan to close the shop at 4911 Matterhorn Drive in Duluth by the end of January.
"Our business has declined to the point where we simply couldn't keep up with the bills anymore," said Bill Alworth.
He said the business has been through plenty of ups and downs, but since September sales have declined substantially from last year's levels.
Alworth blames increased competition from big-box retailers that have begun carrying more religious merchandise as well as the growing reach of Internet vendors that sell Christian literature, music and gift items.
Okay this was in today's Duluth News Tribune. It is sad this store is closing it's doors soon, however I few thing I don't think are right in the story.
One owner Bill Alworth says big- box retailers have begun to carry more religious items. I have not seen this anywhere in big stores I have seen in increase in a couple of other local stores. Again not in any big stores. The other issue with any special merchandise store they need to stay up to date with what is new or they will get taken out.
A big part of the closing is due to lack of personal customers. What I mean is many churches have done business with them for years but they lost many non-church business customers for some reason. I would guess this is not do to big stores, it could be do in part to the internet and because people are not buying as much of those type of items at this point.
A specialty store will see big increase and big decrease month to month and they just need to be able to over come the decreases in this case they are not able to do so.
Again it is sad that such a great store that I have gone to many times will be closing but it does happen and they have served our community well for many years and I wish the owners the best in what ever they look forward to in the future.
The owners of the largest Christian gift store in the region, Bill and Joyce Alworth, began liquidating their inventory this week and plan to close the shop at 4911 Matterhorn Drive in Duluth by the end of January.
"Our business has declined to the point where we simply couldn't keep up with the bills anymore," said Bill Alworth.
He said the business has been through plenty of ups and downs, but since September sales have declined substantially from last year's levels.
Alworth blames increased competition from big-box retailers that have begun carrying more religious merchandise as well as the growing reach of Internet vendors that sell Christian literature, music and gift items.
Okay this was in today's Duluth News Tribune. It is sad this store is closing it's doors soon, however I few thing I don't think are right in the story.
One owner Bill Alworth says big- box retailers have begun to carry more religious items. I have not seen this anywhere in big stores I have seen in increase in a couple of other local stores. Again not in any big stores. The other issue with any special merchandise store they need to stay up to date with what is new or they will get taken out.
A big part of the closing is due to lack of personal customers. What I mean is many churches have done business with them for years but they lost many non-church business customers for some reason. I would guess this is not do to big stores, it could be do in part to the internet and because people are not buying as much of those type of items at this point.
A specialty store will see big increase and big decrease month to month and they just need to be able to over come the decreases in this case they are not able to do so.
Again it is sad that such a great store that I have gone to many times will be closing but it does happen and they have served our community well for many years and I wish the owners the best in what ever they look forward to in the future.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Special election question.
Here is the proposed Decc expansion language for the special election.
"If the state of Minnesota allocates enough funds for the project to go forward and to pay for up to one-half of the cost of a new arena for concerts,conventions, hockey, and other events at the Duluth Entertainment ConventionCenter (DECC), then should the city of Duluth get permission to pay for part of the remaining cost by increasing the existing sales tax on food and beverages purchased in Duluth bars and restaurants by .75 percent (7.5 cents per tendollars spent), subject to the following conditions:
(a) The tax increase would only take effect if the state allocates money for the project to go forward and to pay up to one-half of the project costs; and
(b) The stateapproves the new tax; and
(c) The tax is only in effect for the period oftime needed for it to raise enough money to pay off the city's portion of theproject cost.
A 'yes' vote means you favor funding the new arena in thismanner.
A 'no' vote means you do not favor funding the new arena in thismanner."
Okay here is the deal, what we need to relies is we as citizens of Duluth and Minnesota will pay both taxes the city food and beverage and what ever the state decides to do.
The other thing I want to say is I have a problem with point c. Which states the tax would be no more after the city's portion is payed off. Remember the first tax a sales tax. We are still paying for it and the DECC has been payed for many years.
I just do not like this funding, I will vote no and hope other do as well. I do think this will pass because with special election not many people vote and that is good for the yes group. As I said before I am not against the expansion of the DECC, I don't like the funding for it.
"If the state of Minnesota allocates enough funds for the project to go forward and to pay for up to one-half of the cost of a new arena for concerts,conventions, hockey, and other events at the Duluth Entertainment ConventionCenter (DECC), then should the city of Duluth get permission to pay for part of the remaining cost by increasing the existing sales tax on food and beverages purchased in Duluth bars and restaurants by .75 percent (7.5 cents per tendollars spent), subject to the following conditions:
(a) The tax increase would only take effect if the state allocates money for the project to go forward and to pay up to one-half of the project costs; and
(b) The stateapproves the new tax; and
(c) The tax is only in effect for the period oftime needed for it to raise enough money to pay off the city's portion of theproject cost.
A 'yes' vote means you favor funding the new arena in thismanner.
A 'no' vote means you do not favor funding the new arena in thismanner."
Okay here is the deal, what we need to relies is we as citizens of Duluth and Minnesota will pay both taxes the city food and beverage and what ever the state decides to do.
The other thing I want to say is I have a problem with point c. Which states the tax would be no more after the city's portion is payed off. Remember the first tax a sales tax. We are still paying for it and the DECC has been payed for many years.
I just do not like this funding, I will vote no and hope other do as well. I do think this will pass because with special election not many people vote and that is good for the yes group. As I said before I am not against the expansion of the DECC, I don't like the funding for it.
Here is an interesting and scary thought.
I heard this on Fox News they were interviewing the CBS president and he said in 2000 during the presidential election 75 % of votes between the age 18 and 25 got most of there information for John Stewart. Strewart is a host on comedy central.
NFL Coaches fired so far.
I would expect there to be more coaches that lose there jobs.
Minnesota Viking fired Mike Tice. Now we can get a real coach.
Green Bay Packers fired Mike Sherman. The poor season was not his failed and he should not have lost his job. They had so many injured players. Look for Brett Favre to retire now as well.
Detroit Lions fired Steve Mariucci in novermber. This is also was a poor decision but what do you expect from Matt Million.
Houston Texans fired Dom Capers. With an okay season last year and a poor year this it did not look good.
St. Louis Rams fired Mark Martz. Matz had to expect it as he was not getting along with the front office.
Minnesota Viking fired Mike Tice. Now we can get a real coach.
Green Bay Packers fired Mike Sherman. The poor season was not his failed and he should not have lost his job. They had so many injured players. Look for Brett Favre to retire now as well.
Detroit Lions fired Steve Mariucci in novermber. This is also was a poor decision but what do you expect from Matt Million.
Houston Texans fired Dom Capers. With an okay season last year and a poor year this it did not look good.
St. Louis Rams fired Mark Martz. Matz had to expect it as he was not getting along with the front office.
Minnesota big in 2006!
Once again Minnesota will be a focus in the 2006 election. With a huge governors race and a battle ground for congress seats.
Minnesota did not matter much in the political spot light tell about 1996 or so now we are always one of the states that could change the face of the national election. This ten year spotlight on Minnesota has been good for our state and all "smaller" states in general.
Even the Minnesota chairs of the republican and democrat party agree on one thing this year. That is Minnesota is in for a high spirited and intense race. It may also cost the a lot of money for the canidates running so fundraising will be a huge part of be able to stay a float in the races.
Why has Minnesota became such a focus. It seems at if we have a good balance of democrats and republicans( not is Duluth we are heavily democrat) but at least the rest of the state equals us out. We also have a huge population of independents voters that both sides will focus on.
The only predictions I will make are the ones many people are at this point. I believe Tim Pawlenty wins a second term as Governor and Oberstar gets another term as congressman as he is unoppesed.
Minnesota did not matter much in the political spot light tell about 1996 or so now we are always one of the states that could change the face of the national election. This ten year spotlight on Minnesota has been good for our state and all "smaller" states in general.
Even the Minnesota chairs of the republican and democrat party agree on one thing this year. That is Minnesota is in for a high spirited and intense race. It may also cost the a lot of money for the canidates running so fundraising will be a huge part of be able to stay a float in the races.
Why has Minnesota became such a focus. It seems at if we have a good balance of democrats and republicans( not is Duluth we are heavily democrat) but at least the rest of the state equals us out. We also have a huge population of independents voters that both sides will focus on.
The only predictions I will make are the ones many people are at this point. I believe Tim Pawlenty wins a second term as Governor and Oberstar gets another term as congressman as he is unoppesed.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Thank you councilor Atkins
I wanted to thank Councilor Atkins for his service on the city council. Coucnilors Atkins was a common sense voice on the council and will be missed. He served many years on the council. The latest being two four year terms.
councilor Atkins is being replaced by wack job coucilor Garry Kruase, he will be another far left voice on the council and make it even harder for new business in Duluth.
councilor Atkins is being replaced by wack job coucilor Garry Kruase, he will be another far left voice on the council and make it even harder for new business in Duluth.
Who will replace Oberstar?
"8th Congressional District: Jim Oberstar us currently unopposed, and I expect it to remain as such. Again, the real question is who is next? My sources up that way tell me it is between Donny Ness (a Duluth City Councilman and Oberstar’s state director) and State Rep. Tony Sertich. Both and young and enthusiastic and it should be a great race when it happens.:
The above comes for http://www.commonsensemn.blogspot.com/, it is a left of center blog.You can also find a post on this at http://almostontherange.blogspot.com.
This is my thoughts. I have thought for a long time if oberstar retires soon this or the next election, then Donny Ness will get the job and be Oberstars hand picked replacement. However if Oberstar does not retire in the next two election Donny Ness even being Oberstars hand picked replacement will not win. The Democrats will get a hard core way left person to run and beat Ness in the primary.
Once Oberstar does retire many great republicans will also file for the seat and hopefully will win the seat. With a hotly contest Democrat primary.
The above comes for http://www.commonsensemn.blogspot.com/, it is a left of center blog.You can also find a post on this at http://almostontherange.blogspot.com.
This is my thoughts. I have thought for a long time if oberstar retires soon this or the next election, then Donny Ness will get the job and be Oberstars hand picked replacement. However if Oberstar does not retire in the next two election Donny Ness even being Oberstars hand picked replacement will not win. The Democrats will get a hard core way left person to run and beat Ness in the primary.
Once Oberstar does retire many great republicans will also file for the seat and hopefully will win the seat. With a hotly contest Democrat primary.
Site for the Duluth Central Hockey parent.
Vistit this site, it is the site of Dennin the parent that died in the freak hockey accident. At the site you can make a donation and leave a messege for the family.
http://www.caringbridge.org
http://www.caringbridge.org
Kids to advice to school board.
I like this idea however I need to point out that if kids really care they can always be involved by attending the meetings.
I like this idea of a small group of kids being directly involved, but the kids are always welcome to the meetings and should go if they have an issue they want to discuss with the board members. The board members can also be emailed or called so there is no excuse to say the board members will not listen to use.
Now I know when the listen are they really listening who knows. I feel this way when people talk in front of the city council as well. We need more young people to get involved.
Students to advise board
DULUTH:Concerns are raised that the opportunity wasn't made known to more students.
BY JAKE WEYER
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Each month, the Duluth School Board makes decisions that affect students, ranging from schedule changes and program additions to new policies, budget adjustments and school closures.
Students, though, are often hard to find at board meetings and their input doesn't always make it to the table.
At a special board meeting on Tuesday, that will change. Three students, one from each public high school in the Duluth school district, will become advisers to the board. They will serve for two consecutive semesters.
As representatives of their schools, they will take part in meetings and relay information to their peers. The advisers also will be responsible for listening to student concerns and taking them to the board. State law prohibits them from attending closed meetings and voting.
This is a pilot year for the positions, filled by students involved in Community/Youth Connection, a local service-learning and leadership organization that is part of Service Learning Duluth.
The idea of student representation on the board, for years a reality in other districts, has been widely accepted throughout the Duluth district. But some staff, students and community members hope the selection process, which resulted in choosing two board members' children, is improved so the opportunity is offered to all students.
I like this idea of a small group of kids being directly involved, but the kids are always welcome to the meetings and should go if they have an issue they want to discuss with the board members. The board members can also be emailed or called so there is no excuse to say the board members will not listen to use.
Now I know when the listen are they really listening who knows. I feel this way when people talk in front of the city council as well. We need more young people to get involved.
Students to advise board
DULUTH:Concerns are raised that the opportunity wasn't made known to more students.
BY JAKE WEYER
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Each month, the Duluth School Board makes decisions that affect students, ranging from schedule changes and program additions to new policies, budget adjustments and school closures.
Students, though, are often hard to find at board meetings and their input doesn't always make it to the table.
At a special board meeting on Tuesday, that will change. Three students, one from each public high school in the Duluth school district, will become advisers to the board. They will serve for two consecutive semesters.
As representatives of their schools, they will take part in meetings and relay information to their peers. The advisers also will be responsible for listening to student concerns and taking them to the board. State law prohibits them from attending closed meetings and voting.
This is a pilot year for the positions, filled by students involved in Community/Youth Connection, a local service-learning and leadership organization that is part of Service Learning Duluth.
The idea of student representation on the board, for years a reality in other districts, has been widely accepted throughout the Duluth district. But some staff, students and community members hope the selection process, which resulted in choosing two board members' children, is improved so the opportunity is offered to all students.
Taxpayers should not pay for parking ramp.
Here is a great letter to the editor in today DNT.
I agree 100%, there is no reason we should be paying for this ramp in this amount.
Taxpayers shouldn't support parking ramp
This letter is to question the city of Duluth's commitment to pay for a parking ramp for St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic. According to the article, "Parking ramp cost shocks council," (Dec. 2), the cost to taxpayers would be approximately $480,000 per year for two years. While the city needs to promote development, it should be done for the community good. Part of that decision should be based on jobs and social justice.
In the Dec. 18 Minneapolis Star Tribune, an article was published on Minnesota's top 100 nonprofit companies. That same article listed SMDC's CEO salary at $980,000 for 2004. SMDC's own report on its IRS Form 990, a required document that all nonprofits must file, listed the CEO compensation at $1,199,812.
While it may be SMDC's right to pay this level of salary, there is no way taxpayers should pay to support this outlandish salary for what is supposedly a nonprofit enterprise. Given this generous salary, it strikes me that the $480,000 per year is available from SMDC and that they can pay out this expense for their own parking.BETH PETERSON SOUTH RANGE
I agree 100%, there is no reason we should be paying for this ramp in this amount.
Taxpayers shouldn't support parking ramp
This letter is to question the city of Duluth's commitment to pay for a parking ramp for St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic. According to the article, "Parking ramp cost shocks council," (Dec. 2), the cost to taxpayers would be approximately $480,000 per year for two years. While the city needs to promote development, it should be done for the community good. Part of that decision should be based on jobs and social justice.
In the Dec. 18 Minneapolis Star Tribune, an article was published on Minnesota's top 100 nonprofit companies. That same article listed SMDC's CEO salary at $980,000 for 2004. SMDC's own report on its IRS Form 990, a required document that all nonprofits must file, listed the CEO compensation at $1,199,812.
While it may be SMDC's right to pay this level of salary, there is no way taxpayers should pay to support this outlandish salary for what is supposedly a nonprofit enterprise. Given this generous salary, it strikes me that the $480,000 per year is available from SMDC and that they can pay out this expense for their own parking.BETH PETERSON SOUTH RANGE
Duluth Central Parent dies in freak accident.
This is very sad. This was a freak accident and everyone needs to fell bad for both familys that were involved. The dad that got hit with the puck was a great guy. I can't amaditoin how the kid that shot the puck feels.
I know a little more about this as some of my family was at the game watching there kids play and they choice not to play. There was not rought playing in the game and the shot was an normal shot that took place.
I do not feel that I should share the information I know because of what has happend at this time.
Everyone needs to keep these familys in there hearts.
Duluth man pronounced brain dead after 'fluke' hockey game accidentBY PETER PASSINEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERA retired police officer and youth athletics coach was declared brain dead Sunday, one day after his injury during a father-son hockey game.
Although he was wearing a helmet, a puck struck Dennin Bauers, 52, just below his ear during the third period of a game that pitted members of Duluth Central's boys hockey team against their fathers Saturday morning at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Bauers' 17-year-old son, Dean, is a junior forward and defenseman for the Trojans, and his 14-year-old son, Bryan, is a freshman defenseman.
Bauers was about 10 feet in front of the net when the accident occurred. He was struck by a wrist shot taken from the top of the point, according to Jim Sweeney, another father who participated in the game with his 16-year-old son of the same name, a junior left wing.
"He (Bauers) grabbed his ear, went down to a knee and then lost consciousness in a matter of seconds," Sweeney said. "It happened so quickly."
Sweeney said a couple of people began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Bauers as another person called 911.
He was taken to St. Luke's hospital, where he remained on life support in the intensive care unit Sunday evening.
Jean Erickson, a registered nurse and administrative supervisor at St. Luke's said, "Mr. Bauers has designated on his license his desire to become an organ donor, and his family has chosen to go forward with his wishes."
Friends and family members may monitor developments and share memories of Bauers by visiting the following Web address: caringbridge.org/visit/denninbauers.
A journal from the Bauers family, dated 10:55 a.m. Sunday, said: "The results of the final angiogram indicate no blood flow to the brain. Dennin is considered legally brain dead and is being prepared for organ donation to help other families in need. We are confident his spirit will live on. Dennin will be forever in our hearts and minds."
"The doctors are saying his injury was a fluke," said Scott Lyons, Duluth's former police chief and a friend of Bauers. "If the puck had hit him1 inch in any other direction, it probably would have been nothing more than a bad bruise."
The impact of the blow apparently ruptured an artery, Lyons said.
Dr. Benjamin Owens of Hibbing, an 80-year-old physician who has spent much of his career tending to hockey players, said he was surprised to hear of the fatal injury.
"I've been taking care of the Hibbing hockey team for nigh on 50 years, and I've never heard or even read about something like that happening on the ice," he said. "It sounds like a very rare and tragic event."
Bauers coached youth hockey, Little League baseball and VFW baseball for many years. He also served on the board of the Duluth Heights Community Club.
"He's one of those guys who has been deeply involved his whole life," said Damon Anderson, past president of the Duluth Heights Community Club. "In everything he did, it was always about the kids."
Anderson said Bauers' devotion to the community seemed to be ingrained from his upbringing. He noted that Roger Bauers, Dennin's father, also was active in community causes.
Angelo DeCaro coached hockey and baseball with Bauers and considered him a close friend.
"Denny had such a passion for kids," DeCaro said. "He cared about them on and off the field, win or lose. This man has touched a lot of lives."
As news of Bauers' injury spread, dozens of friends and acquaintances gathered at St. Luke's. Lyons said the hospital overflowed Saturday and Sunday with people wishing to lend their support to Anne Leslie Peterson, Bauers's wife, and sons Dean and Bryan.
Bauers retired from the Duluth Police Department in April 2004 after 25 years. Bauers, along with Lt. John Hall, oversaw the special investigations unit, which heads up drug cases. They retired simultaneously.
Peterson, director of UMD's campus police, remains active in law enforcement.
Kim Keuning attended Central High with Bauers, and her family became close friends with his.
"It's strange to think that he spent all those years chasing dangerous criminals, and then to have this happen to him playing hockey when he was even wearing a helmet," she said. "It's so sad."
Keuning's husband, John, coached baseball with Bauers and said that if Saturday's injury claims his friend's life, as appears likely, it would be a tremendously sad but somehow fitting end.
"He loved to be on the ballfield or the ice, playing with his boys," John Keuning said. "And if you were asked how you want to die, who wouldn't want it to be doing the thing you love best?"
Keuning said the first time he met Bauers was at a Duluth Central reunion. The crowd was so large that the photographer had to shoot the class in two groups. The images were then spliced together to create a photo of the entire, unified class.
Keuning watched as Bauers slipped into both pictures so that he appeared twice in the finished class picture.
"Denny never took life so seriously that he forgot to have fun," Keuning said. "The No. 1 thing was to have a good time."
Just a couple of weeks ago, Lyons encountered Bauers at a Salvation Army kettle in front of Cub Foods.
"He was ringing his bell and shouting, 'Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas,' " Lyons said.
"That's the way Denny was -- energy plus," Lyons said. "He never seemed to have a down day, and for being a cop all those years and running the drug unit, that's really something. Denny was always up and positive."
"He was one of the greatest people I've ever met," Sweeney said. "Denny had immense inner strength and cared for everyone around him. He was an all-around great guy."
Source:http://duluthnews.com
I know a little more about this as some of my family was at the game watching there kids play and they choice not to play. There was not rought playing in the game and the shot was an normal shot that took place.
I do not feel that I should share the information I know because of what has happend at this time.
Everyone needs to keep these familys in there hearts.
Duluth man pronounced brain dead after 'fluke' hockey game accidentBY PETER PASSINEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERA retired police officer and youth athletics coach was declared brain dead Sunday, one day after his injury during a father-son hockey game.
Although he was wearing a helmet, a puck struck Dennin Bauers, 52, just below his ear during the third period of a game that pitted members of Duluth Central's boys hockey team against their fathers Saturday morning at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Bauers' 17-year-old son, Dean, is a junior forward and defenseman for the Trojans, and his 14-year-old son, Bryan, is a freshman defenseman.
Bauers was about 10 feet in front of the net when the accident occurred. He was struck by a wrist shot taken from the top of the point, according to Jim Sweeney, another father who participated in the game with his 16-year-old son of the same name, a junior left wing.
"He (Bauers) grabbed his ear, went down to a knee and then lost consciousness in a matter of seconds," Sweeney said. "It happened so quickly."
Sweeney said a couple of people began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Bauers as another person called 911.
He was taken to St. Luke's hospital, where he remained on life support in the intensive care unit Sunday evening.
Jean Erickson, a registered nurse and administrative supervisor at St. Luke's said, "Mr. Bauers has designated on his license his desire to become an organ donor, and his family has chosen to go forward with his wishes."
Friends and family members may monitor developments and share memories of Bauers by visiting the following Web address: caringbridge.org/visit/denninbauers.
A journal from the Bauers family, dated 10:55 a.m. Sunday, said: "The results of the final angiogram indicate no blood flow to the brain. Dennin is considered legally brain dead and is being prepared for organ donation to help other families in need. We are confident his spirit will live on. Dennin will be forever in our hearts and minds."
"The doctors are saying his injury was a fluke," said Scott Lyons, Duluth's former police chief and a friend of Bauers. "If the puck had hit him1 inch in any other direction, it probably would have been nothing more than a bad bruise."
The impact of the blow apparently ruptured an artery, Lyons said.
Dr. Benjamin Owens of Hibbing, an 80-year-old physician who has spent much of his career tending to hockey players, said he was surprised to hear of the fatal injury.
"I've been taking care of the Hibbing hockey team for nigh on 50 years, and I've never heard or even read about something like that happening on the ice," he said. "It sounds like a very rare and tragic event."
Bauers coached youth hockey, Little League baseball and VFW baseball for many years. He also served on the board of the Duluth Heights Community Club.
"He's one of those guys who has been deeply involved his whole life," said Damon Anderson, past president of the Duluth Heights Community Club. "In everything he did, it was always about the kids."
Anderson said Bauers' devotion to the community seemed to be ingrained from his upbringing. He noted that Roger Bauers, Dennin's father, also was active in community causes.
Angelo DeCaro coached hockey and baseball with Bauers and considered him a close friend.
"Denny had such a passion for kids," DeCaro said. "He cared about them on and off the field, win or lose. This man has touched a lot of lives."
As news of Bauers' injury spread, dozens of friends and acquaintances gathered at St. Luke's. Lyons said the hospital overflowed Saturday and Sunday with people wishing to lend their support to Anne Leslie Peterson, Bauers's wife, and sons Dean and Bryan.
Bauers retired from the Duluth Police Department in April 2004 after 25 years. Bauers, along with Lt. John Hall, oversaw the special investigations unit, which heads up drug cases. They retired simultaneously.
Peterson, director of UMD's campus police, remains active in law enforcement.
Kim Keuning attended Central High with Bauers, and her family became close friends with his.
"It's strange to think that he spent all those years chasing dangerous criminals, and then to have this happen to him playing hockey when he was even wearing a helmet," she said. "It's so sad."
Keuning's husband, John, coached baseball with Bauers and said that if Saturday's injury claims his friend's life, as appears likely, it would be a tremendously sad but somehow fitting end.
"He loved to be on the ballfield or the ice, playing with his boys," John Keuning said. "And if you were asked how you want to die, who wouldn't want it to be doing the thing you love best?"
Keuning said the first time he met Bauers was at a Duluth Central reunion. The crowd was so large that the photographer had to shoot the class in two groups. The images were then spliced together to create a photo of the entire, unified class.
Keuning watched as Bauers slipped into both pictures so that he appeared twice in the finished class picture.
"Denny never took life so seriously that he forgot to have fun," Keuning said. "The No. 1 thing was to have a good time."
Just a couple of weeks ago, Lyons encountered Bauers at a Salvation Army kettle in front of Cub Foods.
"He was ringing his bell and shouting, 'Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas,' " Lyons said.
"That's the way Denny was -- energy plus," Lyons said. "He never seemed to have a down day, and for being a cop all those years and running the drug unit, that's really something. Denny was always up and positive."
"He was one of the greatest people I've ever met," Sweeney said. "Denny had immense inner strength and cared for everyone around him. He was an all-around great guy."
Source:http://duluthnews.com
Vikings fire Tice
The Minnesota Viking fire there head head coach Mike Tice. I am one happy fan today, I have been calling for Tice to be fired for the last three years. This guy has no clue what a head coach needs to do.
You will hear a bunch of crap about the way Tice was fired but Mr. Wilf did what he thought he had to and the time he had to do it as well. Mr. Wilf is showing he is a no none sense type of guy he will deal with thing in a timely manor.
You will hear a bunch of crap about the way Tice was fired but Mr. Wilf did what he thought he had to and the time he had to do it as well. Mr. Wilf is showing he is a no none sense type of guy he will deal with thing in a timely manor.
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