Murray C. Pallo, age 61 and 9 days of Rush City, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and having a “good flight” Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Murray was born January 8, 1955 in Cokato, MN to Tom Pallo and Glora (Chelberg) Pallo. He was raised in New Brighton, MN and graduated from Irondale High School. He later moved to Isanti, where Murray and Mary Beth Pallo raised their three children.
Survived by children Emily Pallo (Isanti), Barry Pallo (Coon Rapids), and Wes Pallo (Cambridge); ex-wife Mary Beth Burggraff-Pallo; grandchildren Bridget, Brett and Kally Mingo of Berryville, Ark.; partner Rhonda L. Bourke along with Meatball and Jr.; father Tom Pallo; brothers Greg (Marie), Brad, Loren, and Ray; aunt Emma Palla; and cousin Vickie (Wade) Hollister.
Preceded in death by mother Gloria Pallo.
He will be most remembered as a generous, helpful, and humorous man. He left us with a smile. Murray was a master of all trades. Murray was a union carpenter, project manager for new construction in the north metro area, did building maintenance, was a millwright, a supervisor at Electric Steel Elevators, and was also employed at Onan Corp. Most recently, besides working at RLC, he enjoyed working on the Goose Lake resort for his friend Bud. When Murray wasn’t building, fixing or repairing, he enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes, snowmobiling, going to the casino, and riding motorcycle.
He will be missed by many.
A memorial and “Celebration of Life” will be held at American Janes, 200 2nd Ave. SE, Cambridge, MN 55080 on January 31, 2016. Gathering starting at noon, service at 1 p.m., fellowship to follow. All are welcome, as Murray would request.

Norma Hazelton, age 91, of Coon Rapids, formerly of Cedar, passed away January 19, 2016.

Arrangements by Strike Funeral Homes, (763)444-5212. www.strikefuneral.com

Loving wife and mother

We would like to express Grace & Gratitude to our boys Jack, Alan, Darrel, Brian and their spouses for hosting Lowell’s 85 Surprise Birthday Party.

To our nine grandchildren Jaimon, Paula, Faith, Samantha, Chad, Chris, J.D., Craig and Holly you made this day one of our best. You all made us a priority, as some traveled far to be here making this part of the celebration a total surprise.

To our family, friends, neighbors, and relatives we thank for your gift of time and spending part of your day with us.

We thank you all!

Blessed Beyond Words,

Lowell & Rosemary Durham

Albert Havemeier Jr., 80, of Aitkin, formerly of Cambridge passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital.
He was born in Cambria, MN to Albert and Alma (Groth) Havemeier on May 10, 1935. He attended school in New Ulm.
On June 19, 1955 he was united in marriage to Thelma (Vonnie) Walters in Gibbon, MN. They moved to Cambridge in 1959 when he started working for the Isanti County Co-op in the Creamery. Albert worked in agriculture at Midland Co-op and also worked at Schlagel Incorporated where he eventually became a co-owner and was able to retire at an early age. He moved to Glen, MN where he had many odd jobs and projects.
Albert was in the Navy and Navy Reserves for eight years and was a member of the American Legion Post #290 in Cambridge.
His favorite hobbies were hunting, being a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, fishing and always finding the odd project to work on.
Besides his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his wife Thelma; brothers Allen, John and Richard; sisters Elaine and Eunice (Pat).
He is survived by his daughters Annette Jensen (Rodney Duffy), Aline Nelson; five grandchildren Wayde, Joshua, Rebecca, Richelle and Sarah; six great-grandchildren Alanna, Nic, Austin, Evan, Amie and Benjamin; sisters Lee (Don) Ross, Evey (Jim) Frazier and Helen Schmidt; and special friend Julie Brennan
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Brunswick. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Havemeier, Chad Westerlund, Greg Wilwert, Randy Zieske, Daryl Sonnee, and Gomer Thompson. Interment will be in Cambridge Lutheran Cemetery in the Spring. Memorials may be given to First Responders Aitkin South. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of the 4200 Unit at Abbott-NW Hospital and the First Responders Rachel, Jim, Jerry and April, as well as his many friends in Glen, MN. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

The second annual Masquerade Ball fundrasier will take place from 7-11 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Braham Event Center. The theme this year is Casino Royale.

The ball is a fundraiser for the Braham Ambassador and Little Miss programs, which give young girls of the community a chance to represent Braham at various events throughout the year and earn a scholarship for college.

The program is sponsored by the Braham Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I wanted to do an ambassador program because I went to Pine City and I saw that there was a Miss Askov and I thought, why can’t we have a Miss Braham?” said program coordinator Katie Grundyson. “It also is just a really fun experience for the girls. It also encourages them to go to college.”

The Braham Ambassador Program is in its third year.

Last year, the ambassadors received $500 scholarships for college. Little Miss Braham is awarded $150 to donate to the charity of her choice.

“We actually hope to give them $1,000 scholarships this year as our program has grown,” Grundyson said. “This fundraiser last year funded our entire program.”

The Masquerade Ball fundraiser was a huge success last year. Costumes are optional, but there is a best dressed contest.

“We had a little bit more money and we wanted to do a bigger fundraiser,” Grundyson said.

The event is for adults 18 years of age and older. There will be hors d’oeurves, a cash bar, a DJ and a photo booth. Guests can also bid on silent auctions with prizes including a plane ride and a hunting package. Guests will also receive a swag bag at the door.

“It was like prom for adults,” Grundyson said of last year’s fundraiser.

There will be blackjack, craps and Texas Hold’em as well as raffle prizes.

“The program creates self esteem. It gives them leadership skills,” Grundyson said. “They have to go out of their box and learn to talk to other people. They get to meet tons of people and represent our community in lots of different areas, which is important for our community.”

One hundred percent of the funds raised at the Masquerade Ball go to the ambassador program.

“They learn a lot that will prepare them for life. I think it’s important to instill leadership skills in our girls,” Grundyson said.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $20 at the door. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

The Braham Event Center is located at 655 Eighth St. SW, Braham.

Cambridge resident Dave McKeen has participated in the National Veterans Creative Arts Competitions over recent years, and has won awards in several categories.

He will perform for the We R Able Support Group meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Chisago County Senior Center.

Donations are cheerfully accepted and refreshments will be served.

For more information call 320-358-1211. The location is 38790 Sixth Ave., North Branch.

To hear a selection visit the We R Able Facebook page and find a link for McKeen’s harmonica performances of the “William Tell Overture” and  “Blue Moon.” Or click on this link to get a preview visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0aJDmhCh5o&feature=youtu.be

High school students from across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C. June 11-16, 2016 for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

ECE is accepting applications from juniors and seniors who would like to be considered for this year’s tour. To be eligible, their parent or guardian must be an ECE member.

Students on the Youth Tour will participate in leadership training, engage in one-on-one conversations with elected officials, jumpstart their national peer network and tour the nation’s capital. The six-day, all-expense-paid tour helps students understand American government and its role in the history of rural electric cooperatives.

The application process includes writing an essay on a topic provided by ECE and taking a short quiz. The essays will be judged and finalists chosen. The finalists will be interviewed in Braham, and the top two students will each receive the trip to Washington, D.C.

To request an application packet, call 1-800-254-7944, ext. 2022, or email cindy.rolain@ecemn.com. Application materials must be completed and returned to ECE by Feb. 12, 2016.

Isanti County, get ready to shine your light with Lighthouse Holistic Healing. Since opening their doors in June of 2015, founder Angela Rysdam and her sister Jaclyn Butcher have been helping people do just that.

Lighthouse Holistic Healing in Braham offers a form of Chinese medicine as administered by the two sisters, serving as Bio-energy Practitioners with the ProVision NES Health System.

According to Rysdam, a Bio-energy Practitioner is someone who deals with one’s life energy.

“Everything is created with energy, and that’s how we heal,” she said.

Butcher also added that every part of a person is made up of this energy.

“Every cell, every tissue, every part of you has a certain energy and that is what we work with,” she said.

Rysdam first discovered this form of healing when one of her own children was struggling with Lyme disease. After realizing the benefits of holistic healing, she decided this was a way that she could help people in need.

“Instead of sending people away, I thought why don’t we start helping people ourselves,” she said.

That is exactly what they did. After receiving the proper training in Colorado, the two sisters were ready to open their doors. The services they offer are nothing like you will find in your traditional doctors office. Here they scan your body to see what it is doing, and why.

“You can get a chemical from a prescription, but you cannot get bioenergy,” Butcher shared. “Your body has the potential to heal itself, and it is a much more permanent healing.”

Lighthouse offers their services to people of all ages, and helps people deal with issues in a wide range from chronic pain, behavioral issues in children, and sleep issues.

Their typical patients are the ones who can’t seem to find the answer to their problem in a doctor’s office.

“People who come to see us are those mystery patients. The patients that see specialist after specialist and they can’t find answers to the symptoms,” Butcher said.

The sisters truly love what they do, calling it, “an adrenaline rush,” whenever they meet a new patient who they can help.

Their goal and motto is hope. They want all of their patients leaving with a sense of hope, knowing that whatever it is troubling them, it can and will get better.

Their motto goes hand in hand with the inspiration for their name Lighthouse. The song “My Lighthouse,” by Rend Collective inspired Rysdam.

“It’s about shining your light,” Rysdam added. “Which is a lot harder to do if you are not healthy.”

If you are someone who is struggling to find the right help, you can make an appointment with either Rysdam or Butcher through email at angela@lighthousehealing.net, Jaclyn@lighthousehealing.net or by calling them at 320-496-9277.

For additional information about Lighthouse, you may visit their page on Facebook/lighthouseholistichealing.

Joe Nathan
ECM Publishers Columnist

Minnesota parents, grandparents and students have been sending me a clear message: They urgently need more information about ways to afford one-, two- and four-year college programs.

In his recent State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama urged, “We have to make college affordable for every student.” I agree.

First, let’s discuss the MnSCU Two-Year Occupational Grant Pilot Program. This remarkable pilot program provides two years of free vocational training in “high demand” areas. It’s available for people with family incomes of $90,000 or less, including:

–Students graduating from high school in 2016.

–People completing an Adult Basic Education or a GED diploma in the 2015-16 school year.

–People completing a 12- or 24-month AmeriCorps program this year.

More information is available on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website, http://bit.ly/1T1nSxa.

However, a Monticello high school senior told me via email recently that she had contacted several participating colleges this month, only to be told that they did not know about the program. Yikes!

When I checked websites of 10 two-year institutions in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, aka MnSCU, during the week of Jan. 11, I was not able to find information about this remarkable program. I called three of them. They confirmed that they had not yet posted information about this.

Ginny Dobbs from MOHE, who’s coordinating the program, told me via email that she’s planned a Jan. 20 webinar for MnSCU admissions and financial aid staff to help them understand the program. That’s good. Hopefully, more information is coming soon.

A Bloomington parent wrote: “College is too expensive. Could you write more about (scholarships and grants, including the new two year public college grant)? … If you are able to write more on this topic, and send it out to local papers, many parents and high school students would thank you a million times.”

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is Minnesota’s single best source of college access information; visit it online at http://www.ohe.state.mn.us. MOHE wisely has hired two people recently, including a person who speaks Spanish, to meet with families, students and educators around the state.

Elaine Zimmer, a Brooklyn Center mother and grandmother, wrote: “I loved your informative recent article on dual credits for high school. I have since found out that there is a fee involved at completion of these courses, and the score (1-5) may make a difference in whether the college you choose recognizes them as such. I think it would be helpful if you could expand on this.”

Per suggestions from Zimmer and others, the Center for School Change, where I worked, has created a chart comparing various forms of dual credit. It’s found here: http://bit.ly/1KcRbI3.

It shows that, for example, that some students must pay to take the final Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations that lead to college credit. Others do not. The chart also shows that to receive college credit via AP and IB, students must earn a certain score on the final examination. regardless of how well they did during the semester, or yearlong course.

Along with this chart, there’s a map that Malik Bush, the Center for School Change co-director, recently refined. This is an interactive map with links to the admissions office of each Minnesota public and private nonprofit college and university. That’s here: http://bit.ly/NTP2Kq.

The map also shows colleges’ and universities’ acceptance policies regarding various forms of dual credit. Some are much more open than others. We strongly encourage people to check with the colleges or universities that interest them as these policies sometimes change.

The chart and map are worth checking before students in grades eight through 11 select next year’s courses. Many youngsters will be registering in the next month for fall 2016 courses.

Minnesota offers some of the nation’s best opportunities to be well-prepared, including earning college credits, for one-, two and four-year college and university programs. But we need to work harder to get information to families and students.

— Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher, administrator and PTA president, is a former director and now senior fellow at the Center for School Change. Reactions are welcome at joe@centerforschoolchange.org

Dear Editor:

At the federal level, effective legislating requires members of Congress to advocate on behalf of their constituency while communicating with members on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, career politicians like Representative Nolan seem to only seek advancement of their own personal agenda.

Democrats and Republicans have all but halted meaningful communication. Bipartisan luncheons and social events, once the norm, now rarely occur. Party leadership, not the rank-and-file, craft legislation benefitting the political insider.

A comparable situation would be in the workplace. Any office would be unable to function if coworkers were simply “yes men” for their boss. Contractors take on many different clients, not only their close friends. The opposite occurs in Washington; Congressman Nolan works only to resolve issues with his friends inside the Beltway.

The solutions that have been “resolved” have led to a chaotic foreign policy, economic stagnation, and too many questions unanswered.

The nation’s Capitol was once a well-oiled machine, driven by elected members from communities nationwide and not career politicians like Congressman Rick Nolan. The 8th District deserves a new leader. A leader that understands the needs of our local communities and will communicate those needs in Washington. It’s time for a leader like Stewart Mills.

A local man from the Brainerd lakes area, Stewart is willing to serve as a voice for our beloved East-Central Minnesotan communities in Congress. This election season, cast a vote for open communication and problem-solving. Cast a vote for Stewart Mills.

Andrew Morley
Cambridge

DISTRICT NO. 911

SCHOOL BOARD STUDY SESSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

The School Board Study Session at Cambridge-Isanti Schools was held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center in Room 121A and B with Board Chair, Tim Hitchings; members, Gary Hawkins, Lynn Wedlund, Heidi Sprandel, Jenni Caulk, Darcy Winsor; and Ex Officio, Superintendent, Dr. Ray Queener. Absent: Kyle Johnson.

The Board reviewed draft Superintendent goals and draft Board goals for 2015-16. The Board has considered several additions and refinements. Formal Board action on both sets of goals is scheduled for the January 21, 2016 regular school board meeting.

Adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

/s/ School Board Clerk

Published in the

Isanti County News

January 27, 2016

502089

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:

MORTGAGOR(S): Paul Kopp and Amy Kopp, husband and wife

MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation as nominee for NetBank, FSB

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. by assignment recorded on May 4, 2015 as Document Number A449756 in the Office of the County Recorder of Isanti County, Minnesota.

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $130,000.00

DATE OF MORTGAGE:

December 10, 2004

DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Recorded on January 24, 2005 as Document Number 345407 in the Office of the County Recorder of Isanti County, Minnesota.

THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE:

$117,920.11

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The West 385 feet of the South 566.00 feet of the East Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 3, Township 35, Range 25, Isanti County, Minnesota

STREET ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 6941 317TH AVENUE NW, PRINCETON, MN 55371-4705

COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED:

Isanti County, Minnesota

TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.

NAME OF MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR: NetBank, FSB

RESIDENTIAL SERVICER:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 09.003.1100

TRANSACTION AGENTS MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 100014440001767706

THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt then remaining secured by such mortgage, or any part thereof, or, if the action or proceeding has been instituted, that the same has been discontinued, or that an execution upon the judgment rendered therein has been returned unsatisfied, in whole or in part.

PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE:

March 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM

PLACE OF SALE: Isanti County Sheriffs Office, 509 – 18th Avenue S.W., Cambridge, Minnesota

to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale.

TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: Unless said mortgage is reinstated or the property redeemed, or unless the time for redemption is reduced by judicial order, you must vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. on September 19, 2016.

THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGORS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None

Dated: January 25, 2016

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

Mortgagee

SCHILLER & ADAM, P.A.

By: /s/

Rebecca F. Schiller, Esq.

Sarah J.B. Adam, Esq.

N. Kibongni Fondungallah, Esq.

*Curt N. Trisko, Esq.*

Samuel R. Coleman, Esq.

Attorneys for Mortgagee

The Academy Professional Building

25 North Dale Street

St. Paul, MN 55102

(651) 209-9760

(15-2198-FC01)

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

Published in the

Isanti County News

January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24,

March 2, 2016

502486

Primary Financial Officer: Sally Hoy, City Administrator, 320-396-3383, shoy@braham.com

Form Preparer: Sally Hoy, City Administrator, 320-396-3383, shoy@braham.com

Budgets have been adopted for: General Fund, Debt Service Funds, Capital Projects Funds

Published in the Isanti County News January 27, 2016 500499

http://isanticountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/01/500499-1.pdf

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ISANTI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Per Minnesota Statutes 375.12 Publication of Proceedings.

Meeting held on January 5, 2016.

A detail of the entire minutes are available for public inspection in the Isanti County Administrators Office, or by visiting our website at www.co.isanti.mn.us.

Members Present: Commissioners Morris, Warring, Anderson, Turnquist, Oslund

Members Absent: None

Others Present: J Edblad, R Heilman, C Rempp, J Benting, T MacMillan (Reporter: Blenenger)

O0o At 9:15 a.m. the meeting was called to order by County Administrator Kevin VanHooser, leading the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

O0o Public Comment Session. There was no public comment.

O0o Kevin VanHooser, County Administrator, called for the election of the County Board Chairperson for 2016.

16/01-01 Oslund/Turnquist to nominate Susan Morris for Chair of the County Board for 2016. Carried.

16/01-02 Anderson/Warring to nominate Terry Turnquist as Vice Chair of the County Board for 2016.

Carried.

16/01-03 Warring/Anderson to approve the agenda with additions. Carried.

16/01-04 Oslund/Turnquist to approve the minutes of the 12-16-2015 County Board Meeting. Carried.

16/01-05 Turnquist/Oslund to approve the minutes of the 12-30-2015 Special County Board Meeting.

Carried.

16/01-06 Anderson/Warring to approve payment to MCIT for Workers Comp Insurance ($220,786); and for

Property/Casualty Insurance ($208,706). Carried.

16/01-07 Turnquist/Oslund to approve payment to NACO in the amount of $691 for 2016 annual dues.

Carried.

16/01-08 Oslund/Anderson to approve payment to AMC in the amount of $14,381 for 2016 annual dues.

Carried.

16/01-09 Anderson/Turnquist to approve payment to Northern Technology Initiative for 2016 annual dues.

Carried.

16/01-10 Warring/Oslund to approve the Isanti County Board of Commissioners Operating Guidelines for

2016. Carried.

16/01-11 Anderson/Warring to amend with revised first section of the Isanti County Board of Commissioners

Operating Guidelines for 2016. Carried.

16/01-12 Turnquist/Oslund to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-13 Turnquist/Anderson to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-14 Warring/Oslund to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-15 Oslund/Warring to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-16 Turnquist/Warring to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-17 Oslund/ Warring to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-18 Warring/Oslund to approve the following Personnel Committee Recommendation (on file).

Carried.

16/01-19 Motion by Anderson, seconded by Oslund to set the 2016 County Board Meeting dates for the first

and third Wednesday of every month. Carried.

16/01-20 Turnquist/Anderson to approve the 2016 Community Organization Payments as follows (on file).

Carried.

16/01-21 Anderson/Oslund to approve the following 2016 Policy Committee Appointments (on file). Carried.

16/01-22 Anderson/Warring to approve the following Community Health Board actions (on file). Carried.

16/01-23 Turnquist/Anderson to approve the following claims and warrants:

MN State DOC $ 30,132.75 Hansen Surveying $ 2,390.00

Hansen Surveying 1,436.00 Enforcement Lighting LLC 5,150.00

LEGT 48,473.40 MN Sheriffs Association 10,178.00

Isanti County SWCD 8,900.00

TOTAL CLAIMS AND WARRANTS: $106,660.15

Carried.

O0o The County Board made the following 2016 Committee Appointments (on file). Carried.

16/01-24 Turnquist/Anderson to move T Nelson, Assistant County Attorney II, to Assistant County Attorney

III, effective 8-8-2015. Carried.

16/01-25 Turnquist/Warring to award the 2016 County legal publication bid to the Isanti County News at an

index price of .2562. Carried.

16/01-26 Anderson/Oslund to authorize the County Highway Department to purchase a shoulder-widener

(on file). Carried.

16/01-27 Oslund/Warring to authorize the County Highway Department to purchase a tandem snowplow

truck and the box, snowplow accessories (on file). Carried.

16/01-28 Warring/Oslund to authorize the County Highway Department to lease a 4×4 pickup to replace the

1994 pickup. Carried.

16/01-29 Oslund/Anderson to authorize moving C Reynolds, part-time Bus Driver to full-time, effective

1-11-2016. Carried.

16/01-30 Oslund/Warring to authorize the County Maintenance Department to lease a 4×4 pickup truck.

Carried.

16/01-31 Anderson/Turnquist to ratify the hire of R Beckman, Probation Agent, effective 1-11-2016.

Carried.

16/01-32 Turnquist/Warring to adjourn (10:27 a.m.). Carried.

Kevin VanHooser, County Administrator

By: Barbara E. Baar, Deputy County Administrator

Published in the Isanti County News January 27, 2016 501203

http://isanticountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/01/501203-1.pdf

A man with several previous controlled substance convictions is facing new felony drug charges following a search of a residence in Spencer Brook Township, near the Isanti County border with Mille Lacs and Sherburne counties.

The search was executed along the 8700 block of County Road 5 Northwest around 9:30 a.m. Jan. 15 by agents of the East Central Drug and Violent Offender’s Task Force and the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office. The agencies were assisted by the Isanti County Special Response Team, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Isanti Police Department, Cambridge Police Department, Princeton Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Princeton Fire, Isanti County Safety and Rescue, and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

The discovery of nearly 1 pound of methamphetamine during the search is the largest methamphetamine seizure to date in Isanti County, according to a press release by the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office. The press release also noted the discovery of an explosive device during the search, which was detonated by the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the search, the homeowner, John William Pierce, 47, was arrested. He was charged before Judge James Dehn Jan. 19 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with the following felonies:

• First-degree drug sale, 10 grams or more within a 90-day period.

• Second-degree controlled substance, possession over 6 grams.

• Possess methamphetamine precursors with intent to manufacture, second or subsequent conviction.

• Possess an explosive device; make, transport or store.

• Fifth-degree drug possession, subsequent conviction.

Bail for Pierce was set at $250,000 without conditions or $150,000 with conditions, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk confirmed Pierce posted $150,000 bond (consisting of $15,000 cash and collateral) around 4:45 p.m. Jan. 19. Part of Pierce’s conditions include not leaving the state of Minnesota without written court approval, no use of alcohol or controlled substances, no possession of alcohol or drugs, being subject to random drug testing, no entering bars or liquor stores, and no use or possession of firearms or dangerous weapons.

According to the criminal complaint, Pierce has several prior controlled substance convictions in his criminal record. He has a first-degree methamphetamine manufacturing conviction from July 2003 in Isanti County, a fifth-degree possession from September 2003 in Anoka County, a first-degree attempted methamphetamine manufacturing from February 2004 in Isanti County, a third-degree methamphetamine possession from August 2010 in Ramsey County, and a fifth-degree methamphetamine possession from February 2012 in Isanti County.

Caulk explained the execution of the search warrant was the first one administered under the newly formed Isanti County Special Response Team composed of the sheriff’s office and the Cambridge, Isanti and Braham police departments.

“Approximately 30 public safety personnel were involved with the execution of this search warrant,” Caulk said. “In our pre-planning investigation, we take a look at what’s involved and what dangers could be found at the scene for our officers, area residents and the suspects. Cases like this show how important mutual aid agreements are between the sheriff’s office and other agencies. We were at the property for nearly 12 hours, and with having other agencies involved, we were able to get the job done as quickly and professionally and safely as possible.”

Caulk said two subsequent search warrants have been written since the execution of the search at the Pierce residence, and more charges are likely once the investigation is concluded.

Caulk said Pierce is a person that law enforcement is familiar with.

“Mr. Pierce is a person that has been in trouble in the past and has previously been arrested by the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office due to his involvement in other felony-level cases in Isanti County involving controlled substance crimes and possession of stolen property crimes,” Caulk said.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Jan. 15, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a no-knock residential search warrant was executed at the Pierce’s residence. Through prior investigations, the home is known to have a number of cameras placed throughout the exterior of the residence, which gives any occupants warning during any search warrant.

Pierce was located inside the home crouched down inside of a spare bedroom. Another person was located in the basement of the residence, and another person was located in the attached garage working on the underside of a pickup truck registered to Pierce. A methamphetamine pipe was located inside the bed of the pickup truck.

In plain view, in the common kitchen area of the residence, officers located a number of small zippered bags sitting on a plate that contained a number of crystal-like substances. It is through this common kitchen area that all of the rooms of the house are accessible. The residue underneath these bags field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also, a number of methamphetamine pipes were located throughout the house.

Pierce was found to have approximately 13 grams of a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine on him that field-tested positive.

During the search of the inside of the home, a number of solid crystal substances consistent with methamphetamine were found inside a small box on the north wall of the living room. These crystal substances weighed approximately 15.5 ounces, or approximately 425 grams, and field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

In Pierce’s bedroom, a safe was located underneath the bed. Pierce gave the combination to the safe to the officers who found that it contained a large amount of marijuana. Numerous methamphetamine pipes and paraphernalia were found in this bedroom and throughout the house. A large pill bottle was located in the kitchen area of the residence. This pill bottle contained a large number of pills identified as a generic pseudoephedrine. This substance is a precursor to the manufacture of methamphetamine.

In the garage, officers found a number of large propane bottles that showed a distinctive bluing of the brass connectors. This is consistent with these tanks being used to store anhydrous ammonia, another precursor substance to the manufacture of methamphetamine. Analysis of the tanks did not reveal the presence of anhydrous ammonia within the tanks.

Also located in the garage was what appeared to be a pipe bomb. The Crow Wing County Bomb squad was dispatched and detonated the device.

Pierce gave a Mirandized statement where he acknowledged the presence of the nearly 1 pound of methamphetamine recovered.

Two individuals are facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop Jan. 15 in Stanford Township after the driver was pulled over for not having a valid license.

The driver of the vehicle, Mikaela Elizabeth Roehl, 19, of Ham Lake, appeared before Judge Bethany Fountain Lindberg Jan. 20 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge. She was charged with felony second-degree possession of a controlled substance, over 6 grams; felony fifth-degree drug possession; and misdemeanor no driver’s license in possession or fail to display upon request. Bail was set at $50,000 without conditions or $25,000 with conditions and her next court appearance was set for Feb. 3.

Roehl’s passenger, Dion William Sonneman, 30, of Zimmerman, was also charged Jan. 20 before Lindberg with felony fifth-degree drug possession and petty misdemeanor possession of small amount of marijuana. Bail was set at $50,000 without conditions or $25,000 with conditions and his next court appearance was set for Feb. 3. Both Roehl and Sonneman were ordered to have no contact with each other.

The traffic stop occurred around 3:20 p.m. in the area of Tiger Street Northwest and 253rd Avenue Northwest.

According to the criminal complaint, Sonneman has prior convictions for fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance in Anoka County from June 2006 and from Sherburne County in December 2015.

According to the criminal complaint:

As Isanti County Deputy Sean Connolly was traveling northbound on Tiger Street Northwest, he observed a vehicle had turned off 253rd Street Northwest and headed southbound on Tiger Street.

Connolly ran the plate of the vehicle and found the vehicle registered to Roehl, who did not have a valid driver’s license. Connolly also noted Roehl was stopped back in December 2015 for a traffic violation by the Cambridge Police Department.

Connolly turned around on Tiger Street to catch up to the vehicle. Connolly knew that Tiger eventually ends as a dead-end street with a few houses and a privately owned property where explosives are tested. Connolly also knew this as a common area where people participate in illegal activity.

The vehicle was stopped at the head of a driveway on Tiger Street. Connolly activated his emergency lights and Sonneman began to get out of the vehicle. Connolly asked Sonneman if he lived at the residence and he indicated he did not. Sonneman indicated a friend had told him to go to the residence to find work. Sonneman could not identify the people who live at the house, nor could he identity the person who he was supposed to have contact with to get the job. Sonneman also indicated he was released just days before from the Sherburne County Jail.

Connolly spoke to the driver, who was identified verbally as Roehl, which matched the registered owner’s information. Connolly asked Roehl if she had a valid driver’s license and she indicated she did not. Connolly noticed Roehl had a difficult time maintaining eye contact and answering questions. Roehl could also not identify who they were there to see; she just said Sonneman was there looking for work.

Connolly also noted several indicators of controlled substance use in Roehl’s appearance, such as disheveled appearance, open sores on face and hands, extremely fidgety and nervous, dilated eyes, lack of eye contact, poor sentence structure, and track marks on the visible portions of her hands in the vein areas. Connolly became suspicious of drug-related criminal activity.

When asked if there were any contraband or weapons in the vehicle, Roehl indicated she did not know, but her vehicle was recently searched by the Big Lake Police Department and they located a number of hypodermic syringes in her possession. Connolly retrieved some mittens for Roehl and she exited the vehicle.

Connolly asked Sonneman to exit the vehicle and when asked if he had any weapons, he produced two knives. When asked how many times he had been arrested, Sonneman indicated he had been arrested numerous times for fifth-degree possession. While speaking with Sonneman, Connolly noted he was sweating profusely, had a poor complexion, dirty hands, was very fidgety and nervous, and had a difficult time answering questions and maintaining eye contact.

Further discussions with Sonneman revealed he had a scale on him, his drug of choice was methamphetamine, and his favored method of use was through inhalation from a pipe. When asked about marijuana, Sonneman indicated there would be some located underneath the passenger side seat as well as a methamphetamine pipe. Sonneman finally indicated he lied; he was not at that location to find a job and he did not know the homeowners. Connolly returned to talk to Roehl, who also confirmed they were not there to find a job. Roehl was asked about the drugs Sonneman indicated would be in the vehicle, and she indicated they might as well be hers, since they were in her vehicle.

Connolly returned to the vehicle to search for the items indicated. Underneath the passenger seat, Connolly located numerous bags of smaller amounts of marijuana ready to sell or distribute from a camouflage container, two scales and a glass methamphetamine pipe with residue wrapped up in a Kleenex. This pipe field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Connolly returned to speak to Roehl and indicated he was going to do a more thorough search of the vehicle. The complaint noted Roehl was driving without a license; it was at least the second misdemeanor violation of that nature in recent months in Isanti County.

Connolly asked if Roehl had anything else on her, and she handed over a small container. Connolly unzipped the container and found a glass pipe with residue consistent with methamphetamine. Connolly then formally placed Roehl under arrest and asked if there was any additional contraband on her. She provided three individual bags containing an amount of suspected methamphetamine that would be larger than for the typical user. An additional bag was found after Roehl was seated in the back of the squad for a time. These bags field-tested positive for methamphetamine and had a field weight in the bags of 8.4 grams. The total weight of the marijuana was 30.5 grams.

The Cambridge-Isanti High School One Act group is preparing to perform “Journey to the World’s Edge: A Folk Tale in the Irish Tradition” by Harry Michael Bagdasian and Ernest Joselovitz for the 2016 competition season.

<

>

Hannah Haglund as Brigid with Samantha Lawrence and Domonic Neal as her parents. Photos by Ashley Haynes

The public is invited to view the One Act performance at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 in the Hardy Performing Arts Center at Cambridge-Isanti High School.

This tale is about young Brigid Shawn O’Grady of long-ago County Clare in Ireland who just wants to be normal. Brigid cannot leave her house without being shunned and mocked by everyone in her village for the misshapen foot she’d been born with.

She is isolated by her parents until, one day, she sets off to ask the help of the legendary Sea Mither. This powerful spirit gives Brigid a magical Bard’s Rod to point her way to the well at the world’s edge where Brigid will find a sage who will answer her plea. But getting there will not be easy.

Along the journey, Brigid must pass three tests — one of her heart, one of her mind and one of her courage. She meets talking animals, fanciful creatures and a dangerous bog serpent that all challenge her to question what it means to be different.

Steeped in Irish culture and legends, “Journey to the World’s Edge” is about Brigid’s journey toward self-esteem and courage. She finds not only the sage but also a surprising answer for the girl who, from that day onward, became known as Brigid—meaning “strength”—Shawn—meaning “one-of-a-kind”—O’Grady.

Cast list:

Brigid: Hannah Haglund

Sage: Amanda Jensen

Seanachai/Farmer: Dawson Bartels

Seanachai/Baker: Kara Olson

Seanachai: Keira Peterson

Seanachai: Trevor Mercier

Brigid’s Mother: Samantha Lawrence

Brigid’s Father: Domonic Neal

Shepherd/Pine Marten: Hailey O’Connor

Street Cleaner/Giant/Serpent: Ceanna Starr

School Teacher/Heron: Sophie Wahlstrom

Tailor/Farmer’s Wife: Madeline Kohn

Little Girl: Bekah Kortan

Village Mother: Celia Mellang

Sea Mither: Nicolle Ulrich

Kelpie: Sadie Broll

Student Director/Tech: Jasmine Stevens

Tech: Julia Fisher

Cambridge Campus Gallery, at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, is hosting an exhibition of Fred Anderson’s paintings.

The exhibition opens Jan. 30 and will be available for public viewing until March 4. Opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 30, in conjunction with the Cambridge Campus annual Candlelight Ski Event.

Anderson is a Minnesota native who currently lives and works in Cambridge. A predominantly self-educated artist, Anderson has been painting since the mid-1980s.

Anderson travels throughout East Central Minnesota in a car, which he has dubbed his “mobile atelier.” He uses the car as a studio and observation point. He begins and finishes each painting on location, usually returning over several days to the same site. His small, precise landscapes can be seen as descriptive portraits of a specific time and place. There is a quiet intimacy in his paintings that reveals his long and familiar relationship with the Minnesota landscape.

Anderson’s work is included in numerous Minnesota private and corporate collections including General Mills, Securian and Anderson Windows. Anderson was the recipient of a 2008 McKnight Artist Fellowship grant from the East Central Arts Council.

The Cambridge Campus Gallery is located on the second floor of the F building of Anoka-Ramsey Community College (300 Spirit River Drive S., Cambridge). Interested parties can contact 763-433-1100 for viewing times and hours of operation.

Grief Support Group

Wednesdays, through Feb. 24: Cambridge Medical Center is sponsoring an eight-week series to help you cope with the loss of a loved one. The series is held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays now through Feb. 24. Facilitated by Lynette Durham, classes will take place at CMC in Dining Room B. No cost to attend. To pre-register, call Launa Hollen at 763-688-9545.

Spirit River Free Community Dinner

Wednesday, Jan. 27: Spirit River Community UMC hosts a free community dinner the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Spirit River Community Center in Isanti (next to Sanbrook Golf Course). The next dinner is Jan. 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. Check their Facebook page for updates or cancellations. Questions, call 763- 219-0008.

Long Lake Ice Fishing Contest and Craft Show

Saturday, Jan. 30: All are welcome to the Long Lake Improvement Association Ice Fishing Contest and Craft Show at Captain’s on Long Lake, 27821 Bay Shore Drive NW, Isanti. Fishing Contest, $10 for pre-drilled hole. Registration at 9 a.m. with Contest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes for the First MN Game Fish, Largest MN Game Fish, Smallest MN Game Fish and First Bullhead. Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Captain’s Quarters. There will also be a Raffle a Prize Drop and many games and prizes on the ice.

“Elvis” is coming to St. Andrew Lutheran Church

Saturday, Jan. 30: “Elvis” will be performing from 2-4 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. Tickets are available at the church, located at the corner of Highway 65 and 237th Street (Cooper’s Corner). Call the church at 763-434-7146 for further details.

Casino Royale Masquerade Ball

Saturday, Jan. 30: The 2016 Casino Royale Masquerade Ball will be held from 7-11 p.m. at the Braham Event Center. This event is a fundraiser for the Braham Ambassador and Little Miss Braham programs. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Festivities include Hors d’oeurves, cash bar, casino games and raffles, silent auction, DJ and photo booth. Tickets available online at brahamchamber.com or they will be $20 at the door the day of the event.

Jacket Hoop Boosters Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Jan. 31: The Jacket Hoop Boosters 9th annual Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ the King Parish Hall in Cambridge. Come and enjoy “All You Can Eat” pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, coffee, juice and milk. The cost is $6 per person and kids 5 and under are free. All proceeds support girls and boys youth basketball programs.

Free Throw Contest

Sunday, Jan. 31: The Cambridge Knights of Columbus is again sponsoring a Free Throw Contest at the Cambridge-Isanti High School gym. Registration is at 2 p.m. and contest begins at 2:30 p.m. This free contest is open to all boys and girls ages 10-14. Winners move on to higher levels of competition. For more information call Jeff Landherr at 763-689-9470.

Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series

Monday, Feb. 1: The Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series of Deliverance will meet from 7-8 p.m. every Monday at The Journey New Life Church, 145 Second Ave. SE, Cambridge. A.C.T.S. is a self-help holistic educational approach to fighting addictions. All are welcome. For more information contact Eric Dewey at 763-744-7609.

Breakfast at Mill Ridge Terrace

Tuesday, Feb. 2: Join your friends for breakfast at Mill Ridge Terrace, 235 Fern St. N. in Cambridge, on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Good food, friendly service and great prices. Complimentary coffee. For more information call 763-689-1474.

Edward Jones Coffee Club

Tuesday, Feb. 2: Edward Jones Coffee Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Cambridge Senior Enrichment Center, 140 N. Buchanan, City Center Mall. Discussing current events, the economy and investing in a relaxed, informal setting. Coffee and goodies provided. Bring a friend and RSVP by calling 763-689-8552.

Community Dinner & Bread Distribution

Wednesday, Feb. 3: A Free Community Dinner & Bread Distribution hosted by The Journey New Life Church at 145 Second Ave. SE, Cambridge, (across from Sidelines) will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Questions or if you need a ride, call Pastor David L. Willis at 763-689-4471. Dinner and bread distribution is held the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.

Long Lake Lutheran Church Spaghetti Dinner

Friday, Feb. 5: Long Lake Lutheran Church will hold a Spaghetti Dinner from 4-7 p.m. All you can eat spaghetti, garlic bread, bars and beverage. Cost is $6 for adults, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Church located at 3921 277th Ave. NW, Isanti.

Free Movie at Braham Event Center

Sunday, Feb. 7: The Friends of the Alice Studt Library at The Braham Event Center will be showing a free movie at 2 p.m. It will be “The Perfect Game,” based on an actual Little League pitcher when his team won the Little League World Series. Donations appreciated. Snacks will be available for sale by Event Center volunteers.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, Feb. 8: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cambridge Culver’s, 105 Opportunity Blvd. N., Cambridge. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Breakfast at Mill Ridge Terrace

Tuesday, Feb. 9: Join your friends for breakfast at Mill Ridge Terrace, 235 Fern St. N. in Cambridge, on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Good food, friendly service and great prices. Complimentary coffee. For more information call 763-689-1474.

Memory Screening at SAC’s Enrichment Center

Wednesday, Feb. 10: All are welcome to the SAC’s Enrichment Center in Cambridge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get a free memory screening. The screening, administered by a registered nurse or a licensed social worker, takes about 10 minutes. Coffee and homemade cookies provided.