Wasteful

As we near the end of another year we need to be reminded that we are not out of the woods yet. There are a few signs the economy is making an upward turn, but there are still millions of people out of work and the housing market is far from a rebound.

I did hear that consumers are spending more this holiday season, up a few dollars per person from last year. Every little bit helps. The problem is it's going to take a big surge for our economy to take a turn in a more noticeable direction.

Most of us have had to make sacrifices and cut back where we can. However, the biggest debt problem is with our government and they don't seem to care much. Spending continues at a record rate and some of that spending is very wasteful. By the way our national debt is fast approaching $14 trillion dollars. I can't even put a number like that in proper perspective.

Here are a few wasteful examples:

• The city of Las Vegas received a federal grant for $1.8 million to build a neon boneyard park and museum made up of old Las Vegas neon signs. Over 150 signs have been collected so far.

• We are contributing  $615,000 so the Grateful Dead can construct a building for the band’s memorabilia and make the so called museum free to the public. Free and yet taxpayers are donating $615,000!

• The energy bill for the Department of Energy was $190 million last year. Millions are said to be wasted because lights could be turned off at specific times. More efficient technology could be used.  Yet the DOE polices taxpayers' use of energy and wasteful spending.

• Poetry in our nation’s zoos? A federal grant program has taken millions of dollars from public funds to give to zoos throughout the country to make signs with poetry and place them throughout the zoos.

• The U.S. government, Bureau of Land Management, spent $64 million on land and built a state of the art gun range.  Although billed a huge tourist attraction in Nevada, last year the park brought in $430,000 and the cost to operate it was $1.3 million.

• The IRS paid out $112 million in fraudulent tax refunds to prisoners. The problem was identified five years ago and the fraudulent claims continue to rise.

• The National Science Foundation, supported with government funding, spent $250,000 on a study to see how Americans use the internet to find love. It was said the research could highlight important developments in American society.

• Denali National Park in Alaska is getting an upgrade-or at least the restrooms will. A total of 36 toilets will be replaced at a cost of $41,000 each. Let's hope there are remodeling costs included and this is not just the cost of the toilet.

• A $441,380 study revealed that college students drink more alcoholic beverages when traveling abroad. Students traveling to Australia, New Zealand and European countries tend to drink more than students traveling to other parts of the world. What does that all prove? You got me!

• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) used the services of two ATF agents for several months to unravel a 2,500 year old mummy. They were able to determine the mummy was between 45-55 years old at the time of death, 5'5" tall and wore a size 7 shoe. The cost was $20,000 in taxpayer money and we're still not sure what those facts are suppose to tell us.

• The National Institute of Health spent $442 million to study male prostitutes in Vietnam. The study centers on HIV and the impact it has on the males.

• Here's another one close to home. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley received $609,160 in federal funding to create a wolf video game called Wolfquest. The supposed purpose of the game is to help people understand wolf conservation issues in real life.

• A parachute museum will cost taxpayers $65,000, $4,168,766 will be spent to study the sexual behavior of a special breed of monkey and thanks to a federal grant a Tennessee library spent $5,000 to host a series of video game parties.

• A conservation commission in Vermont received $150,000 in federal grant money to build a critter crossing. The crossing will save the lives of thousands of migrating salamanders that would otherwise be slaughtered by vehicle traffic.

• When Highway 14 was being extended from Kasson to Dodge Center there was  a holdup and additional expense due to a concern for a  wood turtle  just west of Dodge Center. The size of the bridge had to be altered to the tune of about $750,000 and it cost time for the study to be done. So don't say wasteful spending can't happen here too!

We could say that being wasteful for our federal government at $100,000 to $200,000 per  project is a drop in he bucket. It's basically pennies when you consider the deficit.

In some ways we may be better off not knowing how wasteful government spending can be. If the federal government awards $1.5 million for a museum honoring a bluegrass singer (Earl Scruggs) in North Carolina, let them build it. I don't need to know about it.

Shut In

A week ago Sunday (December 12) I had a feeling that  I had not been experienced. It was like I was closed in.

For the first time in the 22 years we have lived in our rural Mantorville development I could not get out. We were stuck. The road was too full of snow for even a four wheel drive to get out. I could have possibly taken the snow blower and blown a two wheel path to the end of the turn around in the cul-de-sac and reached a trail that had been made by another vehicle. But why? I did not have to be anywhere. Church and every other activity scheduled was cancelled.

The plow came through about mid afternoon and we were free again. Even though I did not have to be anywhere there was that trapped feeling. It was because of the fact I could not get out that bothered me-even though I did not have any place to be.

I don't know about you, but I do not like being confined. If I had been at home and the roads were open it would not have bothered me. It was the fact I could not leave that was the problem. Could this be a phobia?

Lette to the editor: Wallin

Letter to the editor:

People who are not rich voted for Republicans because they want the rich to get richer? Because they  need more super rich Americans to be proud of? If we tax the rich at higher rates, will they decide they would rather be poor? How silly, but I heard a Republican Senator say that. The Republicans as a block have vowed to stop all legislation if the Bush tax cuts for the rich are not retained. That would add 900 billion to the National Debt, more than the bailouts and saving GM combined, but that doesn’t matter to the hypocritical Republicans who have feigned concern about the debt up to now.

Or did people vote Republican because they listen to the unprecedented political propaganda of Fox “news”, The Limbaugh insanity, and Republican politicians and they don’t have enough common sense or knowledge to realize when they’re duped? Are they Republican voters because they were raised Republican-as if it were a religion? It is baffling when people vote against their own self interests.  And generally, these are Republican voters.

To extend the Bush tax cuts for the very rich any farther is stupidity. Obama just proposed doing that in a compromise with Republicans so they would also vote for an unemployment benefits extension for the recently unemployed. This has brought the wrath of his own party onto him, and likely a protracted fight between the parties-one to help the super rich, the other to help the unemployed and destitute. Amazing.
All Republican politicos, Fox and Limbaugh (the rich) propaganda keeps telling us that jobs are created with those tax cuts. That’s not the case. The rich save it while the unemployed spend it to live, pumping the economy more. Spending circulates and multiplies. The 9 years of Bush tax cuts for the rich hasn’t created jobs. We still have around 10% unemployment.

In spite of continual Republican opposition and the vicious and disgusting name calling and lies directed at a president by Republicans: Obama is not a citizen, he’s a socialist, a Marxist, a Communist, a Muslim, a terrorist, a liar, Hitler - it goes on and on, Obama is still an optimist trying to tolerate and work with Republicans way beyond what any normal person could do-and now to the dismay of his own party.
One wonders when if ever he will have had enough and will fight the low life opposition he will always face. The Republicans, and tea partiers especially, use those underhanded tactics to bring out the latent racism that dwells inside most older and many young white people to ease their willingness to believe the ridiculous of Obama aided by the incessant attacks by Fox (34 warships and 200 million per day India Trip??)

Fox is a political propaganda machine owned and run by Australian right wing billionaire, Rupert Murdoch, who because of his Fox empire propaganda has more influence in American elections than any other group of Americans.

Gary Wallin

Letter to the editor: Giving Thanks

Letter to The Editor

Kasson Citizens,

This is the season for Thanks Giving.  Let’s take a moment to give thanks.
The DCI recently reported (11/24/2010, City of Kasson Looking to Trim Budget) that the City of Kasson’s budget shortfall continues.  Mayor Tjosaas has also mentioned the issue in numerous Mayor’s Memos.   The citizens of Kasson are thankful for the City Council maintaining vigilance on this issue and for continuing to take appropriate actions to streamline city government and eliminate unnecessary spending.

The council’s decision to not demolish the historic 1918 school and instead partner with the Kasson Alliance for Restoration (KARE) to fund the Historic Properties Reuse Study saved the taxpayers nearly $250,000 (over one quarter of a million dollars).   Kasson’s citizens are thankful that the City Council entered into a partnership with KARE (www.KassonAlliance.org) related to reusing the historic 1918 Kasson Public School.  In addition Kasson’s citizens are thankful that the City Council did not add millions of tons of demolition material and an important and irreplaceable historic Kasson icon to a landfill.

Thank you to John Lauber’s team for conducting a very thorough analysis of the historic school and for presenting many viable reuse options and funding mechanisms to the City Council and Kasson’s taxpayers (http://kassonschoolreuse.net/).

Thank you to KARE’s volunteers for cleaning the inside of the historic school and to Pennie Eisenbeis for organizing the community education class that installed attractive window facades on the school.

Thank you to KARE for paying 100 percent of the cost to install downspouts on the school to funnel water away from the foundation (as recommended by Lauber’s team).

Thank you to the City Council for recently adopting Mr. Lauber’s recommendation to not pile snow on the school’s playground thus eliminating that water source in addition to the ugly eye sore it presented to the surrounding community.

Thank you to the Minnesota Historical Society for voting unanimously to nominate the school to the National Register of Historic Places and for the National Park Service for placing the school on the registry in Dec. 2007.

Thank you to KARE’s members and supporting businesses for continuing to be an advocate for Kasson’s history and therefore its future.

And finally thank you to Kasson’s citizens for voting overwhelmingly (58% of you) in April 2010, in the council-supported survey, to adaptively reuse the historic school.  Your vision and support will insure that the school building continues to serve Kasson and the surrounding area’s present and future generations.

Happy Holidays,
Kenton Spading

Letter to the editor: Happy Meals

Letter To the Editor: In Response to the McDonald’s Happy Meal toy ban

When I heard of San Francisco’s ban on toys in McDonald’s Happy Meals, I was overjoyed. For years, I, the mother of two small children, have lamented the waste of money and petroleum used to make these toys. The comment in the earlier editorial (Wed. Nov. 17th) about the toys being a memory maker for children, I believe, is incorrect. I would argue that the majority of today’s children cannot even recall their last Happy Meal toy. Notice I wrote the majority of TODAY’S children. I would also argue that if asked half of the parents who buy the Happy Meals either don’t care or would rather there not be a toy inside. Hey, but it’s free. Free is always good, right? I would urge you to take a different approach.

If the toy is lucky enough to hold the child’s interest for more than two days, where does it end up after that? Salvation Army doesn’t want it, I’ve asked. They aren’t good sellers at garage sales, even if they are FREE. They are not made from recyclable plastic. Where do they end up? In the landfill where they do not decompose.

I am not saying that taking the toy out of Happy Meals will cause people to make better dietary judgements. We all know that french fries are not part of a healthy diet, but we buy them anyway. I am also not asking anyone to deprive their children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews of anything, especially not a happy memory. However, I am asking that you consider making an earth friendly, humanity minded decision by asking the cashier to NOT give you a toy the next time you order a Happy Meal. Enjoy the meal; skip the toy. Explain to your children why you have done this. What a valuable lesson to teach. And after all, what the kids really want is the time spent with someone they love........and of course, the french fries.

Erica Gillis

Bullying

A couple of weeks ago Superintendent Peter Grant featured the subject of bullying in his column. I also receive the monthly magazine, Minnesota Educator published by Education Minnesota. An article by Dr. Walter Roberts, a professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato was featured. His column was titled, "Adults must confront epidemic of bullying".

Then FCCLA officers gave a presentation on their organization and some of the activities they have conducted. They also talked about ongoing goals and one of them was stopping the violence and dealing with bullying. "We know there is a problem and we feel there is a way we can help," said FCCLA vice-president Jake Hauschild.

Today one in seven 11 to 15 year olds say they have  bullied or been bullied. That is a high percentage when you think of a middle school full of  680 students.

At the Monday night board meeting a student, parent, grandparent and friend discussed the problem with bullying at the K-M schools. In my 30 years of covering school board meetings I have never seen the school board members' faces look so serious. You could have heard a pin drop  when the family spoke.
Up until this year I myself have not heard a great deal about bullying, including personal stories, but I am not in a position where I am eager to cause trouble for people-and believe me I could!

Evidence of bullying has been seen for years and years. When I was in school the buses picked up students after school in the parking lot adjacent to the shop/ag rooms. There were fights every day between the time school was released and students loaded on to the buses.

Today bullying is much more than fighting. Probably the most cruel is verbal and kids in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade can attest to its prevalence.

I can't help think about what Mr. Grant reiterated about bullying. We can be born with a certain amount of athletic or academic ability, but  he said bullying is a learned behavior. It's everywhere-media, movies, politics, television and unfortunately the American family and home.

Does K-M have a problem any different than other schools? Probably not.

Too bad it had to get to the point where family members had to come to a school board meeting. I know staff and administration have addressed the problem. I don't know how much the K-M School Board knew about the concern, but those seven serious faces up there gave full attention to the individuals speaking during the public input portion of the board meeting.

Ben Carson wrote a book called, "Thinking Big". One of his quotes is, "We get out of life what we put into it.The way we treat others is the way we ourselves get treated." As adults we need to insure our youth are not exposed to bullying in any form.

Reward offered!

Mantorville city councilman Chuck Bradford has offered a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons who shot three holes in the “Historic Mantorville Welcomes You” sign on the north edge of town.

Three .22 caliber bullet holes were found in the sign. Bradford said anyone with information on the shooting should contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 635-6200. Callers names will be held in strict confidence.

Letter to the editor: A different view

Letter To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to present a “slightly” different view of the conclusions reached by the author of the article on the K-M LaCrescent football played on October 20th in LaCrescent. The author makes two statements in the article that maybe all people would not agree with. The first statement was that “The officials took the game away from the players on this night by calling too many penalties”. The second statement was “The officials were at least fair, as both teams had about the same number of penalties”.

I would discuss the first statement by saying I would not believe that there would be any official in high school football, any official in college football, or in the NFL that would state that there becomes a time in the game where too many penalties are called. I would further add that there would not be a supervisor of high school officials, or college officials, or professional officials that would agree with that statement any where in the United States. I can not say the same for a fan in the stands, a parent or grandparent, or maybe a sport’s writer on occasion who maybe would not agree.
I have never hear of some number where any official at any level has come up with in this area. To say that less penalties means a better game officiated would be completely absurd. I do not care what sport that you are discussing, penalties in football, fouls in basketball, etc. ARE NOT DETERMINED BY ANY OFFICIAL.

All penalties, fouls, etc. in sports are ALL DETERMINED by a player who lacks discipline in five areas, and all officials and coaches would agree, and they all spend time in all sports working with the athletes in these areas. 1. Lack of fundamentals, 2. Lack of quickness, 3. Lack of strength, 4. Lack of preparation, 5. Lack of concentration. All rule books in all sports are from 65-80 some pages, and the entire book focuses on only two areas of the game. One is the safety of the player, and the second is providing a balance between the player on offense and defense. That is the bottom line!

The second statement is that the number of penalties and fouls, etc. in each game should be about the same. No official at the high school, college or professional level would ever make such a “ridiculous” statement. If this would be the case, all officials would be checking the charts and books after each  quarter to see that they are about the same on both teams each game. Games at all levels in all sports are played by players of different ability and a different level of “energy” on most nights.

I could write books on various examples of vast differences that take place in every contest at all levels every day of the year, and 99% of the people do not worry about the same penalties, the same fouls, the same points being equal for each team on any given night. I could share a moment in athletic competition that just took place a couple of days ago to make my point. Two of the best pitchers in the world were pitching for the same team the other night, and their team was playing in the World Series, and behind the plate was an umpire that is considered one of the two best umpires in the world for his plate work. Guess what happened on this night, the two outstanding pitchers proceeded to throw 15 straight pitches out of the strike zone and the other team plated three runs to put the game out of reach in this inning.
Does anyone think the umpire is going to worry about calling about 10-15 pitches out of the strike zone on the other team in the next inning. No, the two pitchers failed for one or two reasons mentioned earlier in this article. It does not make any difference at what level of game that is being played on what infractions must be called by the official, but what level the player is performing at. Excuses are easy to make, admitting that you were the person who made it is the difficult thing to do.

Unless I be accused of believing that officials at all levels are error free, I would share the following facts with you. I will take football for example as it was the one sport mentioned in the DCI, but this can apply in about the same percentage in all sports at all levels today.

The former head of officials in the NFL is from Plainview and we played our high school and college ball about the same time and we became good friends. He shared with me that on the average NFL game each day and night, there are just a shade more than three mistakes made by the officials. This is in spite of millions of dollars of replay cameras, etc. and challenges of controversial plays and with out a doubt the BEST football officials in the world. They make mistakes in the NFL and most teams are told each week of the calls that they missed in their game, although it is not to be made public.

I can only speak for college football at the Division One Level, as other levels do not have the replay cameras, etc. The latest figures released from most of the D-1 conferences, even with replay equipment, and review of controversial plays, the second best officials in the world miss almost five calls each week in each game. Now let us take the average high school football official under the lights on a Friday night. I am not going to give an answer on that one, but it is definitely more than it is in the NFL and D-1 college football, and most of these officials are never going to work in college or professional football.
I conclude by asking you as you watch high school contests in all sports in the future, remember that official loves the game as much as you do and he is probably going to make as many mistakes as any of the players do on this night, and probably feels as bad as any of the players do when they miscue, but 99% of the time he is giving his best on this night for high school athletics.

Jerry Raddatz

South Vietnam to Kasson

A couple of weeks ago I met a gentleman who just opened a business in Kasson. In talking to him at length I think that most of us American born citizens take a great deal for granted.


Vu 'Johnny' Huynh was born in South Vietnam and his father was a Navy captain for the South Vietnamese Navy. For those of you not familiar with the Vietnam War, South Vietnam was our ally.


This was a messy war that started in the 60's.  I would have to say it was the most controversial fight ever for  freedom that involved the United States. Iraq and Afghanistan don't come close for two reasons. For many years there were no plans to end the war in Vietnam. Two, support for the American soldier was not what we see today for those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.


In 1975 came the fall of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam taken by the North Vietnamese. For the United States this war was all about stopping the expansion of communism into South Vietnam.


After the fall of Saigon Johnny's father was placed in what the North Vietnamese called a "re-education camp". This was a kind term for prison, where Johnny's father spent the next 11 years.


After graduating from high school Johnny's goal was to become a barber.  He eventually did open his own shop. The only problem was the police would come around and check on his business, demanding money, depending upon how much he made for the week. In other words police protection money had to be paid on the spot based on how good a week he had.
Senator John McCain, a war veteran who spent time in a Vietnam prison of war  camp, was instrumental in the release of the  South Vietnamese soldiers, including Johnny's father. The family was also given the opportunity to obtain visas and move to the United States, which they did.


Call it an opportunity of a lifetime, when Johnny and his parents, along with two sisters and a brother, moved to Rochester to start a new life. They took advantage of that opportunity for freedom, not expecting any handouts.


From South Vietnam, to Rochester and now Kasson, where Johnny opened his own barber shop two weeks ago. Johnny's English is good and  after a short conversation it's apparent he is an intelligent individual who appreciates many of the opportunities we take for granted. Hopefully there will be enough business for all the shops in town, including Johnny's. It  would be great to see people support a man who has come so far, working to create a successful business in Kasson. 


Wouldn't it be great to see his business success grow to the point where he could move his wife and two children here and 
send them through our school system? I think Johnny would like that because he does favor the small town. 


Once you meet Vu 'Johnny' Huynh I know you will be impressed with his personality and determination  to succeed as a  businessman and United States citizen.
 

Letter to the editor: Sheriff

Letter To the Editor:

I recently moved back to Dodge County, living the past 16 years in South Dakota, and I was most interested in the Sheriff’s race. Having worked in the Dodge County Auditor’s office many years I was familiar with Jim Jensen and Jim Trihey, both very nice men. I therefore had no idea who I would vote for-that is until Marigold Days when I was handed some slanderous information on one of the candidates and was told by the campaign person when I asked him did the candidate he represented endorse this and he answered yes he did. I could not believe it. This looked to be a desperate attempt to get some one elected. If you cannot run on your record and own accomplishments then don’t try cheap shots at your opponent. I am going to vote for Jim Trihey, not because of the blatant attempt to discredit him but because of his shown leadership, knowledge, ability and most of all experience. Having worked with Ernie Vanderhyde, Bill Weber and Gary Thompson, their confidence in Jim Trihey by promoting him to the position he now holds is a great endorsement for me. I believe Jim Trihey’s current position as acting sheriff will make him the most effective and excellent sheriff.

Rose Carlson
Kasson, MN

Letter to the editor: uncover the covered up

Letter To the Editor:

 Citizens of Dodge County. I have done my best to uncover the covered up. I have spent hours on the phone, at the computer and talking to people to get information out to the public that was previously unknown to most. I have done this, because it was the right thing to do. I once again must state that I am supporting Jim Jensen for Dodge County Sheriff.

I have had the pleasure over the past few months of getting to know him much better. He has taught me so much about patience, perserverance, and tolerance. About turning the other cheek when people start the nastiest of lies, shaking it off, and being content with the truth. He has showed courage and commitment to the people of Dodge County for over 31 years. He is the best man for Sheriff.

This election is so much bigger than the past, and I am speaking about the national level. Our country is at a major cross roads. We need leaders that have strong dedication to family values and morals. If they can’t even be faithful to their own family, how can they  be faithful to yours or mine. Thank you to everyone who has voiced their opinions and concerns. You are what makes America great. Remember to VOTE on Nov 2nd. Its the AMERICAN thing to do.

Nathan Nord

Letter to the editor:Was the KM School Board decision to improve the football field a good decision?

Letter To the Editor:

Was the KM School Board decision to improve the football field a good decision?

The KM school board made a decision to invest over a million dollars to improve the football field. Other than that it would be nice to have, there was little or no information on how or why the school board made the decision.  My view is that the KM school board should have provided information as why they made this versus some other more basic needs of the school district.  Below are some questions that I think the KM school board should provide answers for the KM school tax payers. If you have similar thoughts please contact a KM school board member.

 •What other projects were considered for use of the money used on the football field project and what were the deciding factors in picking the football field project?  Wouldn’t the retrofit of the current unused classrooms be a candidate for the money used on the football field?

 •What is the impact to the yearly school operating budget due to increases in the operating and maintenance cost over the old football field, and how does this change over the next 10 to 20 years?

 •There is an implied school tax increase if the money spent on the football field improvement could have been used for other maintenance improvement that would have decreased the need for another bond referendum.

One has to wonder if the school board strategy of spending over a million dollars on superfluous needs in 2010, and then floating a multimillion dollar bond referendum for more basic needs in 2011 or 2012 will work in the worst economical times since the Great Depression.

Jerry Harris
Mantorville

Letter to the editor: Break in at American Legion

Letter To the Editor:

To the person or persons who broke into the Kasson American Legion;

We have one question for you: What did the Legion ever do to you?

The Kasson Legion has donated money and services to hundreds, if not thousands of people in this community for many, many years and your theft and destruction of our property has set those donations back quite far. The money you stole could have gone to Dollars for Scholars or sent a child to camp and the money that we now have to pay out for repairing what you destroyed could have helped with several youth or community projects or helped a family in need.

To what charity will you be donating that money?

Kasson American Legion Post 333

New Stadium-KM

The rumor has turned out to be true. The last couple of weeks I have had people stop me on the street and ask if it was true  that the K-M School District was going to install an artificial surface to replace the grass on the competition field.

I have talked to many people who have questioned the move of spending  $1.1 million for the transformation of the field and construction of new bleachers for the home crowd, restrooms, press box and concession stand. The first words people say is  the money should be used for classrooms, books-educational needs. The problem is money has been set aside for facilities and grounds and the money has to be used for that purpose.

Superintendent Peter Grant has said no NEW tax dollars will be used to finance the project. Of course the $700,000 committed by the district from facilities and grounds are tax dollars. However, the stadium will not create new tax debt.  The remaining $365,000 is to be collected through fundraising, of which nearly $100,000 has already been committed.

A month ago I kiddingly said KMTelecom Field had a nice ring to it (no pun intended). As it turns out the field will be KMTelecom Stadium as a result of a 15-year $72,000 agreement between KMTelecom and the K-M School District.

There are people who will call such a project wasteful spending. If you read a related article in this week's edition of the DCI there is an explanation as to why the field is being rebuilt. I also feel there is justification for the project and support the move. With KMTelecom Stadium K-M is moving to another level, raising the bar for schools of this size in SE Minnesota.

The present grass field will be difficult to maintain when weather conditions deteriorate as we get further into fall.  Last year was a prime example of what can happen to a field that is unable to  recover late in the season from the elements,  especially when you have boys and girls soccer and football co-existing on the same surface.

I am also looking at it from a selfish standpoint, walking the sidelines and taking pictures. The new stadium in Rochester is a treat for covering athletic events because of the artificial surface. It also benefits fans and athletes.

I am standing behind the school district and their decision to build KMTelecom Stadium. Nay sayers are entitled to their opinion, but I think the stadium will be a good investment in athletics and our youth.  Like they said in the movie Field of Dreams, "Build It and They Will Come". It's going to happen!

Letter to the Editor : 1918 Kasson Public School

Letter to the Editor

Citizens of Kasson and Surrounding Areas,
The Historic 1918 Kasson Pubic School is calling out to you. It has served Kasson for over 90 years and it will continue to serve for an equal number of years and more providing space, shelter and functionality. That obvious and visible role is in partnership with its representation of the history and social fabric of Kasson, Dodge County and the School District. That is true regardless of where you were born or where you went to school- This historic landmark belongs to you regardless of your origin in the same manner that Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA belongs to you. It deserves no less of your attention and advocacy.

The school was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 6, 2007. During the Minnesota Historical Society Review Board Meeting on October 16, 2007 board member and historian Dave Ebnet commented:

"Local history is as important as national history due to the fact that it occurs where people are living and spending their day-to-day lives so it is very important to recognize it."

Respectively Yours,
Kenton Spading

Bed Bugs

Most middle agers and older have heard the old saying, "Don't let the bed bugs bite. If they bite, squeeze them tight so they don't bite tomorrow night." Well, apparently the bedbug is making a comeback in Minnesota, the reason being their ability to travel in the climate we have had.
 
The bedbug prefers being inside and hangs out where people sleep-thus the name  bedbug.  I read the article released by the state on the bedbug  and by the time I was done I was literally scratching my head.

Look one of those little guys up on the Web some time and see what they look like. I would not want one on me in bed or anywhere else. As I went to bed last night I started thinking about those darn creatures and started itching again.

What really got to me is the fact the bedbug can feed on a human unnoticed.  A comeback in  bedbugs is not a good sign. I bet you are itching now too!

Driving To School

After taking my son to school the first day I drove through the high school parking lot after the day started. The parking lot was three fourths full.

I remember when I was in school,  there were maybe one-fifth that number of student vehicles in the lot. Of course the school population was lower.

In that day it was mostly seniors who drove to school. Very few underclassmen had the privilege to drive a vehicle. The exception were the kids who had after school extra-curricular activities.

In an archived Dodge County Independent Newspaper I found an article about Principal Harold Haugo encouraging parents  not to allow their teenagers to drive to school. Haugo, a teacher, principal and counselor, said there  were studies that showed kids who drove to school did not have the same academic success as those who did not drive to school.

I wonder what the academic success of students is for those who walk to school, take the bus or are given a ride by a parent? Now there's a study for someone to do.

Letter to the Editor : I’ll give Republicans credit for an illegal, immoral invasion of lies

Letter To the Editor:

Republicans want credit for Iraq?
Sure-I’ll give Republicans credit for an illegal, immoral invasion of lies:
Saddam was behind 9/11, he was developing atomic and chemical and biological weapons-WMDs, he ran
Al Qaeda terrorist training camps.

I’ll give Republicans credit for murdering and dismembering a few hundred thousand innocent people including the suffering and life long handicaps of tens of thousands of children, for making 3 million more homeless and destitute, for creating revengeful Al Qaeda terrorists where there were none, for sending tens of thousands of Americans to kill and be killed for nothing-oh-that’s right, they did get one bad guy.
I’ll give Republicans credit for spending a trillion dollars to do this all, to humiliate and torture Muslim prisoners DIRECTED FROM THE BUSH/CHENEY WHITE HOUSE to insure that the entire Muslim world would now listen to the “hate America” propaganda from their most extreme and violent fanatics who have recruited many more of their kind.

Yes, thank you Republicans for a future of religious terror and war. I would reward you all with a lifetime in prison at hard labor in Iraq.

Gary Wallin, Mantorville

Letter to the Editor: Festival in the Park

Letter To the Editor:

On behalf of the Festival in the Park Volunteer Committee I would like to thank all involved for their contributions, time and energy, because of you this year’s Festival was a tremendous success. Our park looked great and there were several comments from people visiting that we are fortunate to have such a gathering place. Again this year our local youth came out in large numbers. It is great to see so many participating in the free activities. I emphasize free because one of the goals for all the years of the Festival has been to provide activities free of charge. Any child can participate by being there! Adults you aren’t left out either, you can belly flop by just giving us a call before we call you.

The volunteer committee spends many hours getting ready for the Festival each year; it couldn’t be done without their commitment. We have finished wrapping up the 2010 event and are hard at work getting ready for the 2011 Festival to be held August 11-14. If you would like to get involved, even for just an hour, please give us a call.

To everyone who donated cash and merchandise, thank you. It takes about $20,000 to put on the event and it is all donated by local merchants and residents. Watch for our fundraisers throughout the year, we will again be doing a pancake breakfast in January and new for this year will be a chili cook-off in October, scheduled for Sunday, October 17th. Watch the DCI for more details.

Chris McKern
Co-Chair

Letter To the Editor: In response to the letter regarding the Dodge County Sheriff

Letter To the Editor:

In response to the letter regarding the Dodge County Sheriff.

Allegations are something most law enforcement officers live with their entire career. Investigations are conducted for even the most frivolous of complaints. Some investigations are short and others are lengthy.
Some investigations result in finding no proof of wrong doing. Others may find some wrong doing or unprofessional behavior. While yet others may show serious wrong doing or even criminal behavior.
Law Enforcement conducts the same type of investigation on a complaint regardless who it involves.

Usually a department will not investigate allegations against someone within their own agency. An outside agency conducts the investigation in order to avoid any favoritism or protecting of a friend/co-worker.
Outside investigations cost more. After all the outside investigators have to travel to conduct interviews, etc. The investigators have to set aside their own work in order to deal with allegations from another county.

If no charges are filed, or no misconduct is found the investigation is closed. There is no need to publicly admonish a individual as nothing was done that was considered wrong.

If charges are determined to be warranted or serious administrative action need be taken - then it becomes a matter of Public Record.

If every allegation or complaint against every citizen were made a matter of Public Record, how much unwarranted humiliation, distrust, and other issues would develop within a community?

Now multiply that distrust for law enforcement officers if the same rules applied, even though most if not all allegations were found to be false or without merit.

Someone once said, "A man who makes no mistakes... is a man who is doing nothing." Officers or officials who have no complaints against them are not doing their job.
Criminals or those being charged with a crime after an investigation is completed are seldom happy with the officers arresting them... the lawyer representing them... the prosecutor... or the judge determining guilt or innocents!

Allegations are easily made... Yet often hard to prove... but more times than not, "Impossible to live down especially when exonerated".

Dave Elliott
Dodge Center
Retired Law Enforcement
507-951-9571

Relay For Life

What an accomplishment. The  Dodge County Relay For Life  raised $182,500 two weeks ago. That is $10,000 more than the record set last year.

For 2009 the Dodge County Relay For Life was a national per capita award winner.  For counties with a population of 20,000-25,000 Dodge ranked fifth nationally. The per capita amount received was $8.38 for every man, woman and child in the county.

Last year Olmsted County raised $178,000 and their population is six times the size of Dodge.
When our economic downturn started in 2006 the Relay brought in $139,700. In 2007 the numbers jumped to $149,000, then $157,000, $172,500 and now $182,500 in an economy that is struggling.

Even in difficult times people in our local communities find a way to support this fantastic cause.

Unfortunately there is so much support because people are affected by cancer in so many different ways.
A survivors reception was held at the Relay before the other  activities started. My mother and a friend were standing in that food line. My mother's friend looked back to my mother and said,  "A year ago who would have ever thought we would be in this line?"

Isn't that so true. We never know who is benefitting from money raised from  events like the Dodge County Relay For Life donations go to research, education and patient care.

I am not about singling out individuals, but chairperson Aleta Abbott of Kasson has been the guiding force of this ship that continues to gain momentum. I'm not sure I will be around to see the cure for cancer, but I have been around long enough to see that the number of survivors continues to grow at a higher rate than those who lose that battle!

Leading the "Hunting For A Cure" Team at the Relay for Life are Russ Anderson and brother-in-law  Jim Struck, Cleveland, MN. Team leader is his wife, Lisa Anderson walking with daughters Jenna and Jaime Anderson and  Christy Leopold of Hudson, WI. They were the third highest fundraising team at $7,965. Russ Anderson is quite the sportsman/hunter so thus the "Hunting For A Cure" theme. Lisa is a cancer survivor. Photo by Wayne Hendrickson.

Letter to the editor: Administrative leave in past for Trihey

Letter to the editor:
To my fellow citizens of Dodge County:

This election year is very important. There are many issues that must be resolved to get our great country heading in the right direction. I have to admit, I have taken a much greater interest in these elections than those of the past. In doing so, I have discovered one thing on a local level, that to me, was a little disturbing. Last fall, there was an incident reported to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department that involved our Sheriff, Jim Trihey. This resulted in Sheriff Trihey being put on administrative leave for a period of time, which if my memory serves correctly, was in the news briefly. Also, there was never an explanation to the citizens of ‘why’ this action was taken. It seems a little odd that a sheriff would be put on leave for any reason at all. As I have further looked into this issue, I have discovered that Dodge County has hired an outside investigator or attorney to investigate Sheriff Trihey’s involvement in this incident. This cost the taxpayers of Dodge County over $22,000! This is very troubling to me since I have lived in Dodge County all of my life, and never once, that I can recall, has a sheriff been the focus of an investigation. Also, if I may point out, he was never elected sheriff but was appointed by the county board after a recommendation by a retiring sheriff around a year ago. Which is also troubling to me since only being there a short period of time, this much attention has been brought to the sheriff’s department as a whole.

This has raised more questions in my mind about this whole incident. What other expenses were incurred by taxpayers during this investigation? How much did it cost us to pay a sheriff that was ‘put’ on leave? How about the salaries of the other county officials that were working on the investigation? I feel it is very important for the citizens of Dodge County to know ‘who’ is leading our distinguished Sheriff’s Department. This raised another question; why aren’t we, the taxpayers, allowed to know what the investigation was about? I believe we have every right to know what is going on in our ‘own’ sheriff’s department, especially when it comes to the man who is suppose to be leading it.

Concerned citizen of Dodge County,
Dalen Maxson

Letter to the editor: Wind Project

Letter To the Editor:

The public hearing for the National Wind/AWA Goodhue Wind Project was held this past week in Goodhue, MN.  One session on July 21 was scheduled.  However, due to the number of people who chose to speak at this public hearing, Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman extended the public hearing to July 22.  These sessions ran long (3 PM-10:30 PM) on both days.  I am guessing that approximately 100 people got up to comment, most of which opposed this wind project and others slated for Goodhue County.

 At this public hearing, it was noted that the two-mile wind buffers requested by the City of Zumbrota and the City of Goodhue likely will NOT be honored by the wind farm developers.  Both cities have requested these wind buffers to allow for future economic expansion and long-term plans.  Both cities have invested taxpayers' monies--Goodhue to create residential housing and Zumbrota to extend sewer and water to the west side of U.S. Highway 52 and nearby land for development.

 Earlier this year in April, the City of Zumbrota City Council voted 3-2 (Bauer and Hinderaker voted yes) to allow National Wind/AWA Goodhue Wind to encroach on the two-mile wind buffer near Zumbrota.  City Council members Nygaard, Grothe, and Borgschatz voted the request down.  Unfortunately, National Wind/AWA Goodhue Wind doesn't take "no" for an answer.  There are multiple wind turbines (4 inside the wind buffer and 7 very near the wind buffer) sited in or near Zumbrota on the preliminary municipal wind buffer map submitted by National Wind/AWA Goodhue Wind, LLC.

 Leia Ryan, a member of the Goodhue City Council, was quoted, "We (Goodhue) could be landlocked, and that's where cities begin to die off."

 To speak with someone on the street, most people think the wind turbines are a good thing as they will provide clean, "green" electricity that will lower our electricity rates.  This is not true.  The wind does NOT blow all the time.  When the wind turbines are not spinning and producing electricity, it is required to have a backup coal-fired plant or a natural gas-fired plant.  These plants cannot be turned on and off like a light switch.  These plants need to remain running to fill in the gaps when the wind does not blow.  So, in essence, you are keeping the backup running at all times in case the wind turbines cannot provide the electricity.

 If National Wind/AWA Goodhue Wind is NOT listening, I hope you are!  There is still time to voice your opinion.  Even if you are not in the footprint of this wind farm project, you may write via e-mail or U.S. postal mail your comments by August 6, 2010, 4:30 PM.  That is the cutoff when it must arrive--not postdated:

 Eric Lipman
Office of Administrative Hearings
P.O. Box 64620
St. Paul, MN  55164-0620
 or eric.lipman@state.mn.us
 Please refer to:  AWA Goodhue Wind--Certificate of Need and Siting Docket, PUC Certificate of Need Docket: IP-6701/CN-09-1186 and PUC Siting Docket:  IP-6701/WS-08-1233.
 Please take the time to write.  One voice can become many.
 Barbara A. Stussy
14884 420th Street
Zumbrota, MN  55992
507-732-5115
barbstussy@hcinet.net

Letter to the editor: Veterans Memorial Park

Letter to the editor :

I have lived in this community over 40 years and have seen so many changes. Some are positive ones. One change I have observed in the last few years is the dilapidation of our swimming pool in “Veterans Memorial Park”.

Our north park is so lovely and has so many wonderful features to it but the pool has something to be desired. I have always thought that the center focus of the park was the pool. It has always centered around family picnics, swimming lessons, adult swim and the everyday swimming schedule, not to mention the play ground, volleyball court and the baseball diamonds. But is our park being used enough?

I am very interested in starting a task force with a search and discovery committee to investigate the raising of funds/ and or grants to revitalize our community swimming pool. We need a new one.

In a community as large as Kasson we need to always look for improvements. The swimming pool is one.
My mother was instrumental in the “renaming” of “Veterans Memorial Park” This was one of her projects when she was American Legion Auxiliary President. I know that she would agree.

St. Charles’ community developed and built a new pool with the help of the residents who took up the torch and made it happen. Many people from Rochester go there to swim.

Many people from Kasson go to Dodge Center’s new pool to swim. Why should we accept that?
We are a large enough city that we should be supporting our own recreation for our children and our adults.

I am asking for volunteers that would like to be on this committee to call me at 634-4472 if they are interested in this endeavor.

Let’s make this a community goal. We can do this.

Sue Harwood

As seen in the picture above, during Kasson Festival in the Park, the pool is also a place for fun contests and activities during the Festival.

Letter to the editor: Relay for Life

Letter to the editor :

The purpose of this letter is to address statements made in the article dated July 7th titled "Mantorville City Council Agenda Varied."
First the comments made by Council woman Schmidt; in general the statements would appear to be somewhat exaggerated or assumptive. To quote "There was trash and puking on peoples lawns. There was a trailer on the Relay lot and I guess they stayed and left their bikes over night You guess? As a City Council Member wouldn't it seem the best approach is not to     but to seek answers? Here are some answers:
1) Regarding trash - the clean-up committee spent at least 2 hours cleaning up after the event. There would have been very minimal amounts of trash that did not get picked up.
2) The trailer was provided for two out-of-state couples to stay the night.
In addition it was stated, "At 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, the riders started up their motorcycles, revved the engines and left town. How many citizens here own motorcycles? The rumble of a motorcycle can be heard any day of the week. Can two bikes leaving town at 7:30 a.m. be that unusual?
The Relay Lot is a common place for many of the activities that occur in Mantorville. Maybe a gentle reminder that the use of the Relay Lot has been provided for other community activities free of charge. A single camper parked on that lot is much less intrusive than many of the other activities that occur there. That lot is our "gathering place".
The questions about what time to end an event and what type of music/lyrics should be played is a difficult topic to address. It would seem appropriate that the lyrics be PG in nature, however that does not mean all citizens will agree to the type of music being played. Variety is the spice of life. There are several outdoor events that occur in Mantorville to name a few; Beetles Bash, Marigold Days, Old Tyme Days, and the Rendezvous. Do all citizens enjoy the sound of cannons being blasted at 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning? No, however, as a community people here should take pride in the variety of activities that occur and be supportive of all events even if they are not their "cup of tea". Some activities will begin earlier in the day than some may prefer and some may end later in the day than what others will prefer. Just think about the number of people that are drawn into this town because of the activities that occur here. This fund-raiser brought in many out-of-town people that spent money in Mantorville, not just at the Saloon. This is good for business and in turn is good for the community.
The sheriffs department was present during most of the evening. Had there been a need for crowd control law enforcement was there to handle it. There was also a designated driver for anyone who should not have driven home that night. Much organization was put into this event in order to make it fun and safe for everyone.
To address the comments made by Mayor Nash... "The city needs to meet with the fund raiser and someone from the (Mantorville) Saloon. They have a whole year to modify their plan and eliminate some of the problems. The complaints are valid and preventable." This event took place June 19th and to date no attempts have been made to speak with the coordinator or the Saloon. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for that conversation to take place prior to making those statements? How about addressing the issues and stating the resolution versus making statements without talking to the individuals? Had someone taken the time to talk with the Saloon or the coordinator it would have been known that the stage had been set-up inside the saloon, but the band set-up outside and insisted on playing there. The issues could have been resolved by now. The statements in this article should not have been made without speaking to the coordinator and the Saloon.
The following statement is one that truly is out of line. "They need to make a living too but not at the inconvenience of most citizens." This event is not about "making a living". It is a fundraiser in honor of a life long resident ofMantorville who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. Last year about $2200.00 was raised for the American Cancer Society and $1340 to purchase a swing set. A little boy in Kasson has been enjoying having that swing set for the past year. This year about $ 2500.00 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Granted it may appear the Saloon had opportunity for financial gain from this event, it did however put money into supporting it.
Finally the statement... "inconvenience of most citizens" Many citizens were there having a good time. "Most citizens" seems a bit exaggerated. The "inconvenience" is much like how other citizens feel when activities go on that do not appeal to them. We have a block or two closed down for some events, to me that is an inconvenience. But, it is for a community activity, so I say, "It is all good". Lets be out there interacting with each other and having fun! We can set some parameters on the time when events should start and end. The bands that perform can also be told to use appropriate language. Shouldn't these two items be the real issues here?
Just remember, business can give back to the community when the business has the income to do so. Drawing additional people to town does benefit the community.
Mantorville is one of the most active little communities in this state. It is amazing the diversity of activities in which one can participate. A lot is to be said for a community that rallies together for a good cause. I hope you all can keep that frame of thought in mind when making decisions regarding future events in this fine town.

Sherry Thoren

Standing Room only

Irish airline carrier Ryanair is looking at standing room only on the airline for as little as $6 a flight. They are looking at taking out 10 rows of seats  for standing room only and the other 15 rows on select flights.
I would have only two problems with that. Number one, I would hope it is a short  flight. Number two, It better be a smooth flight with no turbulence. It could be like a stand-up amusement ride at Valley Fair (if they have such a thing) or riding a packed light rail train after a Twins game.
I presume you would not have to listen to the "fasten seat belt" instructions by the flight crew either. So much for safety concerns. Let's save a buck.
Just think! If a one way airline flight is $6, that would be about the same price as an inflight can of beer. Quite a comparison, right?

Studio Academy High School

Letter to the editor :

Studio Academy High School; a real high school, a real

option

Studio Academy High School with an emphasis on the arts,

academics, and community service is first and foremost a

public charter high school serving Rochester and its surrounding

communities. Studio’s trademarks are its small class

size and its ability to help students who are struggling at their

much larger schools. As are other public schools, Studio

Academy is free, nonprofit, and open to any family looking

for an alternative to traditional schools. It is another choice

available to parents.

In the area of academics, a student attending Studio

Academy will take regular Math, Science, English and Social

Studies classes. In addition there are electives such as Science

of Art and Math and Art. Teachers integrate the arts into all

classes, and the classes meet national and state standards. Our

students have to take and pass the state tests just like other

high school students in Minnesota. During the past two years

our students have continued to show improvements in their

reading and writing MCA results. Every year, Studio graduates

more than 80% of the senior class, and upon graduation,

our students attend post-secondary schools or join the military

or work force. In essence, Studio Academy is a regular 9-12

high school.

Our students are required to take five art credits to graduate,

which may include visual arts and music. Schools tend to

require one credit and many are cutting their art/music programs

in order to balance their budgets. Out students can still

take all their required art classes despite budget cuts. Our art

program is quite flexible and based on the students’ needs and

talents. Students come to Studio with different degrees of talent

and interest. Some students come to Studio with very little

interest in the arts, but they learn to appreciate the arts and

to make art. Studio Academy is not an elitist art institution but

a school where we love art and use it as a way to reach students

where they are.

Community service is a tool to integrate disengaged students

with their school and community. Students who before

coming to Studio would not do any community service, are

now volunteering with many local organizations. It is about

giving back to our community and our students are excelling

at it.

Studio Academy is a welcoming school that will take any

student; a student who loves art and is looking for a place to

do more art, a student looking for a place to belong, a student

searching for a place to catch up with life and graduate from

high school. Any student with an open mind and heart to others

will find a home at Studio Academy.

Ronald Salazar, EdD

Director

Rochester, MN

Aging & Attitude

I was told aging can be  an attitude thing. People with a positive attitude are not likely to age as fast. When I was in my pre-teen years I thought 50 was old. When I was in my teens  60 was old. In my 20's 70 was old.

I thought my grandfather on my dad's side was old when he died. My grandfather was 76. My father is 76. Now I no longer consider 70 to be "old".

The average American today lives to age 78. This age thing is in the eyes of the beholder.
Last week I was leaving the house and my wife got my attention. I was trying to get into a different vehicle (the vehicle was a Ford  and I own a Chevy). A few months ago I drove  to the bank. Later that day when I wanted to go home my vehicle was no place in sight. I panicked for a second and then realized I had walked back to the office from the bank. I was talking to someone outside the bank, and without a second thought, walked back to the office.

Are these signs of aging? I put this question to a local family physician. His response was "No, not at all".  This was memory loss in a different context.

We have all been somewhere, say a large mall, come out and not remembered exactly where we parked. That's why they color code and alphabetize large parking lots. Memory loss hits us all at one time or another. It's not necessarily tied in with aging-at least from my sources anyway.

I believe in the saying "You're as young as you feel". The only problem with me is there are times my mind says "Go" and my body says "No".

The other day I saw a gentleman in the World Senior Games set a record in the 100 meter dash. He was the only one running in his age group. He was 95!  Imagine trying to stay positive about aging if  outrun by a 95 year old guy!

What Effects Do Oil Spills Have on the Environment?

Oil spills have profound and immediate effects on the environment. Plus, the damage slicks cause can be long-lasting.

In April 2010, an oil leak occurred from an underwater BP pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico. Five thousand barrels of oil (200,000 gallons) spilled into the ocean each day from a leak that the company said was notoriously difficult to plug quickly. At the time of press, remediation efforts were underway, but some experts anticipate that this spill has the potential to eclipse the Exxon Valdez oil disaster of 1989.

Oil spills certainly attract public attention while under the media spotlight. Environmental experts come out of the woodwork and volunteers line up to help do whatever they can to protect the wildlife impacted by the oil. However, what are the ramifications of an oil spill, including what occurs once the media attention has dissipated?

What Is Oil?

Oil is a natural substance formed over millions of years. It is thought to be created by plankton, decaying matter, sand and rock under extreme pressure.

Although crude oil is of natural origin, the oil that is transported and pumped today may contain additives to help it perform better. Benzene, for example, is an important industrial solvent and precursor in the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes, and can sometimes be found in oil and as an additive to gasoline.

Oil is used to make gasoline, serve as fuel, as a basis for plastic products, and many other purposes.

Immediate Effects of an Oil Spill

Oil enters the marine environment daily through run off from everyday living. Generally, the planet can sustain itself in this type of situation. It's when a large amount of oil is introduced to an area in a short period of time that serious ramifications can occur.

When a spill or leak occurs, most of the volatile compounds of oil evaporate quickly. However, the oil remains on the surface of the water, mixes with the water and becomes a different consistency. It can be a very sticky composition that some refer to as a "mousse." The slick can quickly spread through water currents and wind.

Many fish are attracted to the oil slick because of its sweet smell and its resemblance to food. Other marine life simply may not know how to avoid the oil. There are a number of effects that can occur depending on the animal:

• Oil can break down insulating fur or feathers in seals and marine birds, resulting in hypothermia.

• Marine life that breathe through gills can suffocate.

• Oil can coat the body, making mobility difficult and resulting in inability to forage for food or escape predators.

• It may foul breeding grounds or result in mutation or death of young.

• Oil can taint algae and other marine food sources, resulting in elimination of certain species of plants and animals.

Longer Effects of an Oil Spill

After the clean-up efforts have ceased and the attention on the spill has slowed, oil can still have an impact on the environment. Eventually the oil can sink into the sea bed or remain under the water. This can impact burrowing animals, such as crabs or bottom feeders. Other marine life and birds may eat these animals and then become contaminated. The cycle of poisoning can continue for many years.

More Than Marine Life Affected

It's not just the animals that live in and around the water that are impacted by an oil spill. It can have profound effects on humans, too.

•Cost: People often pay the financial price for an oil spill. Costs of everything from plastic products to gasoline may rise as oil companies attempt to recuperate the lost money from the oil spill.

• Fishing: Individuals who make their living from the water could lose significant portions of their income. Fishing may be banned in and around the oil spill area for an extended period.

• Tourism: Many coastal towns and cities make their living from the tourists who frequent the seaside. An oil spill close to the shore can spoil fishing, boating and swimming in these areas.

• Contamination: Individuals who live by a spill may come in contact with the same toxins as the marine life. Oil may infiltrate water systems or end up in the soil. Some oil additives can be carcinogenic. Also, inadvertently eating contaminated seafood can lead to poisoning.

How Oil Spills Are Remediated

While no two oil spills are the same, there are some common methods of clean-up.

• If there is no chance for coastal contamination, some oil is left to break down by natural means and be dispersed by the currents and wind.

• Skimmer nets are used to collect oil from the water's surface. Brooms and other devices may be used to push oil into a centralized location for collection.

• Dispersants may be used to break down oil and have it biodegrade more quickly. Dispersants act by reducing the surface tension that stops oil and water from mixing. However, careful consideration must be given to dispersants and weigh the factors of how the oil will contaminate underwater sea life.

• Biological agents are introduced. These agents feed on components of the oil and break it down into harmless substances such as fatty acids and carbon dioxide.

• Animal life impacted by the spill may be collected, cleaned and tested for contamination.

Oil spills have the potential to be an environmental disaster if not quickly assessed and handled by professionals.