Membership Sideblog
- The Marcus Welby of law, by Lance Heisler | Lampe Law Group
July 31, 2010 | 7:45 pmGrowing up in North Dakota during the 50s and 60s, I was privileged to experience something that's all too rare now - the old-fashioned family doctor. "Doc" delivered babies, set broken bones, treated pneumonia, and helped Grandpa with his newfangled hearing aid. Doc knew the community, the families, and the individuals whose basic medical needs he treated from birth through the end of life. Some of you who grew up in that time, and perhaps in smaller communities, may remember a Doc of your own. . . . → Read More: The Marcus Welby of law, by Lance Heisler | Lampe Law Group
- Kitty Mania at the Prairie’s Edge Humane Society, by Sandy Vesledahl
July 28, 2010 | 10:51 pm
Let’s talk about cats, cats and more cats! Why?? Because Prairie’s Edge Humane Society is full of cats and we have many more arriving daily. As of today, there are 44 cats on the adoption floor with more awaiting their surgeries so they are ready for adoption. There are cats in every corner of the shelter who need homes! We are in desperate need of homes for these cats. We cannot emphasize this enough. So we are having a cat sale and we are calling it Kitty Mania ! Kitty Mania is this weekend, beginning Thursday, July . . . → Read More: Kitty Mania at the Prairie’s Edge Humane Society, by Sandy Vesledahl
- On Watermelons and Widgets, by Tom Swift
July 12, 2010 | 11:50 am
The free market does many things well, but we know it does not do everything. Even market fundamentalists concede that the public must build roads, put out fires, police streets, and provide national defense. Most people, at least those to the left of the Tea Party edge of political spectrum, accept that the government must also be involved in education, disaster relief, and health care. That is, certain services must be rendered — necessary services, universal services — whether or not those services are financially profitable. If your house is on fire, you do not have time to . . . → Read More: On Watermelons and Widgets, by Tom Swift
- Vintage Band Festival Contra Dance, by Dan Bergeson
July 12, 2010 | 10:56 am
Okay, so most of the news about the Vintage Band Festival so far has been about the bands. But there’s a number of other events during the weekend. Like the VBF Contra Dance, for instance. The Vintage Band Festival Contra Dance will feature music by The Dodworth Saxhorn Band of Ann Arbor, Michigan and will be led by dance instructor/caller Robin Nelson. Dancing will begin at 8:30 p.m. with a “Grand March” led by 60 costumed members of the 1st Wisconsin Infantry Brigade, followed by a variety of period dances including polkas, contra dances, schottisches, reels and waltzes. . . . → Read More: Vintage Band Festival Contra Dance, by Dan Bergeson
- The Animal-Cruelty Syndrome, by Tom Swift
June 27, 2010 | 8:00 am
Even before I read the first word of this article I had a visceral reaction to it. The accompanying photographs — my eyes tend to skip over photographs in magazines — affected me in a manner that is difficult to articulate. I knew, immediately I knew, I was not going to like what I was about to read. In fact, for that reason I put the piece aside. Not now, I thought. Maybe tomorrow, I said to myself. But, then, I couldn’t not read it, either. If you have not done so already, I hope you will read . . . → Read More: The Animal-Cruelty Syndrome, by Tom Swift
- Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! by Kathy Jasnoch
June 27, 2010 | 7:54 am
June may be Adopt A Cat month here at Prairie’s Edge Humane Society and we have lots of wonderful cats, but we also have PUPPIES! We have a male Newfoundland mix named Chong who is 6 months old, he was a stray so we don’t know a lot about him. He loves to play! We also have three Australian Cattle Dog mixes who are two months old. Marcia, Bobby and Cindy were born at the shelter and spent some time in one of our fabulous foster homes. They are now back at the shelter and ready to find . . . → Read More: Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! by Kathy Jasnoch
- Relay for Life of Rice County, August 6th, Rice County Fairgrounds. By Sandy Vesledahl
June 23, 2010 | 9:35 pm
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay for Life, teams of people camp out at local parks or fairgrounds and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events. Relay for Life of Rice . . . → Read More: Relay for Life of Rice County, August 6th, Rice County Fairgrounds. By Sandy Vesledahl
- Critter Cam live from Prairie’s Edge Humane Society, by Sandy Vesledahl
June 16, 2010 | 9:04 amNow Showing! Live Kittens playing! You can now watch our adoptable animals at Prairie’s Edge Humane Society (PEHS) live 24/7 on the new Critter Cam installed in conjunction with KYMN Radio. Thanks to the fine folks at KYMN radio we now have a live feed of our adoptable animals showing on our website and KYMN’s website, Tim and Jeff are AWESOME! Currently the Critter Cam is featuring kittens available for adoption. Watch them play, sleep, eat, and everything else they do 24 hours a day 7 days a week! It’s better than anything you can see on TV! . . . → Read More: Critter Cam live from Prairie’s Edge Humane Society, by Sandy Vesledahl
- Save the Northfield Depot: fundraising help needed. By Lynn Vincent
June 11, 2010 | 11:34 am
A BIG Thanks to all of you who came to last Monday’s Volunteer Organization Meeting, and to those who contacted us saying you wanted to help but could not make the meeting. We have pretty full support for Communications and Design and Build sub-committees, and we got a web graphic designer to help with the site. Alice Thomas is facilitating the Communications group, and Steve Edwins is facilitating the Design and Build group. What we are missing and really need are Fund Raising people. We have two grant writiers, but we need folks who are committed to the . . . → Read More: Save the Northfield Depot: fundraising help needed. By Lynn Vincent
- Photo albums: 2010 Prairie’s Edge Humane Society Walk for the Animals, by Bridgette Hallcock Photography
June 11, 2010 | 8:09 am
Thank you to all of those who came to Alexander Park on a beautiful Saturday morning in May to help support Prairie’s Edge Humane Society! I have placed all of the fun photographs on my Bridgette Hallcock Photography Facebook page so that everyone can see how much fun we had! See the two 2010 Walk for the Animals albums here and here. If you would like a print, please contact me, as the proceeds will benefit the animals at PEHS.
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By Lance Heisler for Lampe Law Group, on July 31, 2010, 7:45 pm
 Growing up in North Dakota during the 50s and 60s, I was privileged to experience something that’s all too rare now – the old-fashioned family doctor. “Doc” delivered babies, set broken bones, treated pneumonia, and helped Grandpa with his newfangled hearing aid. Doc knew the community, the families, and the individuals whose basic medical needs he treated from birth through the end of life. Some of you who grew up in that time, and perhaps in smaller communities, may remember a Doc of your own.
Just as Doc diagnosed and treated all sorts of ailments, our firm strives to “treat” all of your legal needs, large and small. We value working with our clients and their families, addressing their needs through all stages of life. The Lampe Law Group, though changing hands from time to time, has served clients in the same location for over 130 years. That has been possible because of our strong commitment and dedication to the community and to our clients.
Here are just a few examples of the ways in which we’d like to help:
- Adoption – We make the process smooth and effortless, so you can focus on the joy of bringing a new addition into your family.
- Buying or Selling Your Home – There are strict disclosure laws which apply to residential sales. Whether you’re buying or selling your home, the last thing you need is for that sale to result in a lawsuit. Let us help make sure your sale complies with the law, and that it closes smoothly with no unpleasant surprises.
- DUI and Traffic Charges – It can happen to anyone. When it does, we can take the fear and anxiety out of the process and help you achieve the best result possible.
- Criminal Defense – Northfield is a college town. Sometimes student hijinks take a turn no one anticipated; we can help. ‘Nuff said.
- Divorce – We recognize there are no winners in divorce cases. That’s why our firm has been a pioneer in the effort to promote collaborative divorce where no one goes to court and the focus is on children, fairness, and maintaining family relationships.
- Bankruptcy and Financial Planning – At some point in their lives, almost everyone experiences times of financial difficulty and stress. Don’t go it alone. We can help. A lot.
- Employment Issues – Many problems between employers and employees, or contractors and subcontractors, arise from misunderstandings as to what each side expects. We can draft or review contracts in order to help eliminate those misunderstandings.
- Social Security Disability – Physical disability coupled with loss of earning ability is one of the most difficult circumstances anyone can confront. We know the Social Security system, and we can help you get badly needed benefits as quickly as possible.
- Wills and Estate Planning – Whether you’re young or old, YOU should make the decision regarding what happens to your children and your property after you’re gone. Don’t leave these critical decisions to the Court, the State, or anyone else.
- Litigation – Getting sued creates an instant crisis for businesses and individuals. We have years of experience in trying lawsuits; we’ll take charge of your lawsuit quickly and efficiently. The best settlements in lawsuits are achieved when the other side knows you’re prepared to go to trial. We are.
These are only some of the most common legal needs people have through the course of their lives. Our ability to provide a broad range of legal services to clients of all ages and from all walks of life results in the best possible service to our clients for the most reasonable cost. That is the commitment we make to everyone who comes in our door. We’d like to be your “family lawyer”. C’mon in.
By Griff Wigley, on July 25, 2010, 8:37 am
By Griff Wigley, on July 16, 2010, 7:21 am
 This week’s Northfield News has a story titled Price increase creates rush for passports (see Rice County’s announcement, New Passport Fees, Effective July 13, 2010.)
At the end of the article is this curious one-liner:
The cost to renounce your U.S. citizenship is $450.
Huh?
If you’re really interested (yikes!), see the Wikipedia entry Renunciation of citizenship and the US Gov. page, Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship.
By Griff Wigley, on July 15, 2010, 6:40 am
 Prairie’s Edge Humane Society (PEHS) has a new segment on KYMN called “Animal Attractions.” Kathy Jasnoch and Sandy Vesledahl are live on Jeff Johnson’s Morning Show every 2 weeks at 6:50 am on Thursdays. Sandy emailed me this:
We discuss 4-5 animals that we would like to highlight that are available for adoption and then any upcoming events or projects or whatever happenings at PEHS.
7:10 am update: I’ve added an in-studio photo above. And the dog that they seemed most eager to find a home for: Chance!
 
By Tom Swift, on July 12, 2010, 11:50 am
The free market does many things well, but we know it does not do everything. Even market fundamentalists concede that the public must build roads, put out fires, police streets, and provide national defense. Most people, at least those to the left of the Tea Party edge of political spectrum, accept that the government must also be involved in education, disaster relief, and health care. That is, certain services must be rendered — necessary services, universal services — whether or not those services are financially profitable. If your house is on fire, you do not have time to solicit bids from contractors. If you are sick, you cannot wait until the price of MRIs suits your budget.
Frederick Kaufman’s essay in the July issue of Harper’s (subscription) — which I recommend to anyone who eats — speaks of another universal need: food. His point is not that the government should run our grocery stores and, to be sure, that is not my position, either. Yet it seems clear that treating our cereal boxes the same way we treat our iPads is no longer working. Not everyone needs the latest app. But everyone must eat.
The article explains why our grain-laden grocery bills have risen so drastically in recent years — the worldwide price of food rose by 80 percent between 2005 and 2008, Kaufman says — and the harm that hike has had on countless people. Some 49 million Americans suddenly found themselves “unable to put a full meal on the table” and “demand for food stamps reached and all-time high.” One in five American kids came to “depend on food kitchens.”
Incredibly, it gets worse:
“The global speculative frenzy sparked riots in more than thirty countries and drove the number of the world’s ‘food insecure’ to more than a billion. In 2008, for the first time since such statistics have been kept, the proportion of the world’s population without enough to eat ratcheted upward. The ranks of the hungry had increased by 250 million in a single year, the most abysmal increase in all of human history.”
The article underscores how important it is to me to support corporate agribusiness — makers of nearly every product in traditional grocery stores — as little as possible. Fortunately, I live in a community in which another option exists. Fortunately, I shop at a place in which a watermelon is not an edible widget.
On Saturday morning, after we went to the fantastic Riverwalk Market Fair, we stopped by Just Food to buy goodies for our Fourth of July grill. From the parking lot (where I passed an advertisement for the “competition” we just left) … to the aisles of food made from ingredients I can actually pronounce … to the employee who offered to bag my groceries (the next time I receive less-than-stellar customer service at the co-op will be the first time) … to the closed-on-the-holiday sign (not surprising that good people work where they aren’t treated like numbers on corporate-office spreadsheets) … I was reminded that, at least at this one food shop, the bottom line is about more than money.
Maybe this is pure coincidence, but customers at the co-op always seem happy. Or maybe I am projecting that sense because even though I hate shopping for anything nearly everywhere I always feel good at the co-op. That good feeling is one reason why I willingly spend more there than I would at nearby on-the-grid grocers. (I confess that I use those nearby options periodically because I am not in a financial position to fully disregard them — but I do so as infrequently as possible.) I also buy as much as I can at Just Food because I do not have to worry about my choices. They are healthier (no partially hydrogenated oils), tastier (pesticides do not taste very good), and directly support the economy of the place I call home. I do not know many members of staff and yet I trust them because I know they supply the store with more than profits in mind.
A company’s job is to make money. I get it. I would not have the laptop I am using to type this post if Steve Jobs had not had a financial incentive to make it. He is supremely rich and that is OK by me. However, when I buy a product that is necessary for my health and nourishment, I do not want the very idea of health and nourishment obscured by profits and stock prices.
The libertarian reply — that the market will respond to my demand — is not only lacking, something close to the opposite dynamic has taken hold. Kaufman articulates causes for the recent food bubble. He also asks whether it could happen again. Could prices rise even higher?
“Yes,” says Layne Carlson of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. In fact, it is a near certainty. That is because of what Carlson calls the two principles governing the grain markets: “fear and greed.”
Copyright © 2010, Tom Swift. All rights reserved.
Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook blog
By Griff Wigley, on July 5, 2010, 4:33 pm
My consulting business brings an infusion of $1.65 to downtown Northfield most days, depending on where I have coffee. Last week I was happy to ratchet that up a bit with two client meetings at the HideAway CoffeeHouse and Winebar.
 The principals of The Citistates Group paid a visit to Northfield on Wednesday to meet with me and Northfield web designer Sean Hayford O’Leary. Sean and I have worked with Neal Peirce, Farley Peters, and Curtis Johnson for years but had never met with them F2F.
 On Thursday, I met with Republican-endorsed Senate 25 candidate Al DeKruif and two of his campaign volunteers, Daryl Bauer and Brian Wermerskirchen. I’m working with them on social media-related activities for Al’s campaign.
The first time my consulting business had a huge economic impact (dozens of dollars!) on downtown Northfield was in the summer of 2004 when a group of Brits from the Blair government descended on the Contented Cow, desperate for British beer. They returned with some colleagues in the summer of 2005.
I hope this helps for the day when I need to hit up the Northfield EDA for a loan.
By Griff Wigley, on July 4, 2010, 11:29 am
 Back in Oct. 2008, I bought an Amazon Kindle and blogged about it: Northfield Kindle owners: saving trees or destroying Division St. bookstores?
There were three bookstores downtown then: River City Books, Bookfellows, and Monkey See Monkey Read. Only Jerry Bilek’s Monkey See Monkey Read remains.
Not that I feel completely responsible for the demise of two of our bookstores, but I was glad to see this in last week’s NY Times: Stores See Google as Ally in E-Book Market
Now one element of Google Editions is coming into sharper focus. Google is on the verge of completing a deal with the American Booksellers Association, the trade group for independent bookstores, to make Google Editions the primary source of e-books on the Web sites of hundreds of independent booksellers around the country, according to representatives of Google and the association.
 I’m a regular e-book buyer and things got even cooler this week with a new Kindle app that allows me to read the same books on my Android phone that I’ve already purchased for my Kindle… and synchronize how far along I am in the book in both devices. Very helpful.
By Griff Wigley, on July 2, 2010, 7:33 am
 Most media empires in the US have published something about Northfielder Dick Heibel, world-renowned snow globe and music box repairman. I blogged the Strib video about him back in December.
I finally got to meet Dick and his wife Irene yesterday when I picked up a couple of globes that we had him repair. He said that now’s a good time to get your snow globes and music boxes fixed, as things tend to get busy around Thanksgiving. And since the days are now getting shorter…
By Griff Wigley, on July 1, 2010, 8:54 am
 
 I took this photo of Dan Freeman and postal worker Patty Henry in the doorway of Monkey See Monkey Read yesterday afternoon, pointing to the 4th of July poster in the window.
Dan’s been doing fundraising once again for the 4th of July fireworks and this year, he’s got two fireworks shows for us citizens. (See the PDF poster for the complete schedule of events, including a change of times for the Kiddie parade and Kiddie carnival.)
Norman Butler, proprietor of Butler’s Steak & Ale, the Contented Cow, Chapati, and the soon-to-opened Pan Pan, has bellied up to the patriotic bar with a donation that, according to this article in the Nfld News,
was substantial enough to fund an additional fireworks show in Ames Park on the Fourth of July, Freeman said. The additional show, scheduled for 10 p.m., will not replace the regular fireworks display that Freeman has helped organize since 2002. Instead, the Ames Park show — limited in its size and height because of safety regulations — will precede the larger annual show, which launches from Sechler [sic] Park this year, Freeman said.
Ross Currier has a complete rundown of 4th of July weekend events in his NDDC blog post, Fireworks Mark Busy Weekend in Downtown.
By Griff Wigley, on June 27, 2010, 10:34 am
 
I noticed yesterday that proprietor Tim Sellers has a sign in the window of Tiny’s that reads:
Yes, Tiny’s is open
Tues-Sat 9:30 to 5:00
No thanks to the Nfld News
The Northfield News ran an article back in April titled: Locals try to save a Northfield landmark.
A longtime downtown business is expected to close in the coming months. Tiny’s Hot Dogs at 321 Division St. is set for a sheriff’s sale June 3, according to a legal notice published last week. Owner Timothy Sellers has until Dec. 3 to rework his mortgage or come up with the necessary funds to cover the debt. Sellers declined to comment, but support of the longtime Northfield shop has quickly grown.
By Griff Wigley, on June 26, 2010, 6:37 am
  
I noticed last night that the Contented Cow put up signs pointing to the ‘secret’ public restrooms at the Archer House. Suffering from Hypopistoferone syndrome, I took the opportunity to show my support, Big Daddy style.
Comments closed. Continue the discussion here.
By Griff Wigley, on June 24, 2010, 10:05 pm
I wrote to Shepherd’s Way Farms’ Jodi Olsen Read a couple of weeks ago, asking about the financial status of the farm as this January, 2010 article in Heavy Table reported that it was in foreclosure.
I since came across two other items:
I got this email from Jodi earlier this evening:
Griff,
 I’m sorry it has taken so long to reply again! We do have good news —
Thanks to the herculean efforts of many, including the members of the financing group Farm Haven LLC, the Read family and Shepherd’s Way Farms will continue the farm mission at the Nerstrand location.
An agreement was reached with the bank, and with support of Farm Haven, Shepherd’s Way is continuing forward. Although cheese production will still be on a limited basis — as it has been since the 2005 arson fire — the flock will be expanded and plans are underway to finally finish the lamb nursery barn (which replaces one of the barns lost in the fire).
Shepherd’s Way Farms cheeses (Shepherd’s Hope plain & herb/garlic, Hidden Falls, Big Woods Blue) are available at Just Food co-op in Northfield, Surdyk’s cheese shop in Minneapolis, and on limited basis (Shepherd’s Hope and as supply allows, Big Woods Blue at Twin Cities Byerly’s, Lunds, and Kowalskis. All Shepherd’s Way cheeses, including Friesago, are available at the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturdays, 8-1 pm in Minneapolis and to Shepherd’s Way CSA members (see website for CSA details). Keep watch for another cheese to be introduced later in the season!
Shepherd’s Way is also hosting a University of Minnesota Curiosity Camp Class on Tuesday (registration is full) and will be part of the upcoming SFA Farm Tour (registration through Just Food co-op). To find out about upcoming open house dates and other farm events, please register for email updates as a Farm Friend at www.shepherdswayfarms.com.
Griff, if you would like to know more about Farm Haven LLC, please let me know!
Thank you!
Best regards,
Jodi
By Griff Wigley, on June 24, 2010, 6:53 am
By Griff Wigley, on June 23, 2010, 11:26 am
By Griff Wigley, on June 23, 2010, 10:57 am
 
Polzin Glass on south Hwy 3 is now in the auto repair business. No word about it on their website but the sign out front says “brakes, oil-change, shocks, struts, tune-ups.”
By Griff Wigley, on June 23, 2010, 10:27 am
 I noticed two signs in the window of Hoffman’s Photography and Framing at 5th and Division last night.
One says “Moving Sale” and the other says “Building for sale or lease.”
Anyone know where they’re moving to?
By Griff Wigley, on June 23, 2010, 10:21 am
 Allure Salon just opened in the Phoenix Building on Division between 6th and 7th. Anyone know who’s running it?
The Phoenix Building is also home to Construction Consulting Partners, Anytime Fitness, and soon, the downtown Northfield branch of Community Resource Bank.
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