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Open Forum
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In AppreciationLetter to the Editor
2023 has already provided some exciting new experiences for me. As a new member of our Crosslake City Council, it has marked my first foray into the world of politics. I have already learned that serving in that position is not for the faint of heart; however, I am finding it not only challenging, but also fascinating and rewarding.
As a new member of the council, I felt it was important to represent this fantastic city in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. While I have enjoyed watching many of these parades, last Saturday was my first experience actually riding on a float in the parade.
As the weather reports continued to look less than favorable, the more trepidation I began to feel. However, neither I nor my valiant friends would be deterred. While the winds were cold, I was so warmed by the kind and enthusiastic response I received from all the hearty spectators. Honestly, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who lined our fair streets and by their fabulous attitudes; it was amazing.
I want to thank everyone who turned out for the event; all who waved and shouted their encouragement; my friends who braved the weather with me; Cindy Myogeto who did a magnificent job coordinating the event and provided me with signs for my car; and, the kind folks at Outlet Recreation, who provided a trailer for my float.
Our Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works Department also deserve a huge thanks for all they did to make the event run so smoothly and safely. They are the heroes behind the scenes. I’m sure there are so many others who deserve acknowledgment, but suffice it to say that it takes a team, and we had a great one.
I feel so privileged to be serving on the council, and am determined to do so with the utmost of integrity, enthusiasm and concern for our community. My experience in the parade only heightened my desire to represent our wonderful residents to the very best of my ability.
Sincerely
Sandy Farder
Crosslake, MN
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Just say No to Grouse HuntingLetter to the Editor
It’s been since 2012 when I last was able to chase grouse with my dog. Our lax trapping regulations are just too dangerous for my dogs to be in the woods during trapping season. We have records of more than 100 MN dogs who were killed in body grip traps and lethal snares and those are just the ones voluntarily reported.
I’m not the only one that has been forced to stay home with my dogs. Many other grouse hunters have been forced to give up hunting.
This sounds like an easily fixed problem that has been created by a minority of trappers who refuse to give an inch, more specifically the 3 day check where the trapper doesn’t have to check his traps more often than every 3 days.
Senator Eichorn could support a simple fix that many other states have adopted and I’ll add without preventing trappers from trapping.
Despite this simple fix Senator Eichorn seems to be ready to turn his back on grouse hunters by voting against the commonsense dog protection bill SF 1316.
John Reynolds
Merrifield MN
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Boating Safety in MinnesotaLetter to the EditorCurrently, House File 949 and Senate File 553 address a very important matter regarding boating safety in Minnesota. Both bills address the need to have boater education for those using boats and personal watercraft. If passed the bill would go into effect in 2025 for adults 21 years of age or younger to take a water safety course and written test. Additionally, boat rental companies would provide information on boating laws in MN and instructions for safe boating in MN. The person renting the boat or personal watercraft must take a short boater safety exam before the boat rental agreement is complete.MN currently has a youth boating class for youth 12 years of age and older. The Whitefish Chain Yacht Club (WCYC) provides access to a class each summer with the support and help from the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Water Patrol. Because of our commitment to the WCYC mission, “safety on the water”, our board of directors strongly supports this proposed legislation for adults to take a test on water safety. With increased boat traffic on the Whitefish Chain, and more boat rentals, having boat operators knowledgeable is needed to ensure boating safety. Please join our board and voice your support of these two bills currently in the legislature. The links to our state representative and state senator are included here.Representative Ben Davis- District 6Arep.ben.davis@house.mn.govSenator Justin Eichorn Senate District 6sen.justin.eichorn@senate.mnTo find your MN Representative and Senator go to https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts Thank you for your support of this legislation,Bonnie Coffey, CommodoreOn behalf of the board of the Whitefish Chain Yacht Club |
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The Opinion Page of the Northland Press is an Open Forum for all points of view. Letters to the editor and guest columns are for all members of our community and are strongly encouraged. Letters must be received by the 5 pm Thursday deadline. We do require your full name, address, and daytime phone number with each submission. Northland Press may contact you by phone for verification purposes only. The Northland Press does not discriminate with the exceptions that it will NOT print a letter that contains blasphemy or crude language, or promotes violence. The submission of a letter or column DOES NOT guarantee its publication. Limit letters to 500 words or less.
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