Commentary, Posted: 8/15/07
Letters to the editor
Actions speak louder than words
To the Editor:
On Sunday evening August 5 2007, the Spring Grove Fire Department responded to a mutual-aid call of a house fire in Caledonia. Caledonia Fire Chief Chuck Gavin and Assistant Chief Mike Meiners were coordinating this effort along with several local fire departments. The management of manpower and equipment was second to none.
Immediately upon arrival on the scene we were directed to assist with SCBA on the interior attack of the structure fire. Chief Gavin lead this effort with professionalism and all the firemen worked effectively as a team. It was quite impressive to say the least.
It was observed that members of the Caledonia Ambulance Service were on scene. The EMS members were walking amongst the firemen handing out water and assisting with any other needs. With the weather being hot and humid their presence was greatly appreciated.
Also in the vicinity, the Caledonia PD along with the Houston County Sheriffís Department were responsible for directing traffic and keeping people away from the area. This was helpful to the firemen and did not go unnoticed.
The time and dedication of these men and women on a daily basis makes the community safer for everyone. Not everyone can do the this type of work and we should be thankful for the commitment given by the ones that can.
Chief Jon Speltz
Spring Grove Fire Department
Join in the battle against ALS
To the Editor:
The ALS Association-Minnesota Chapter is kicking off its annual "Walk to DíFeet ALS" in Rochester. We are planning to be part of that walk and we are asking you to join us in the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrigís disease) by joining us and/or by making a contribution in support of our walk.
ALS is a fatal, neuromuscular disease which attacks the motor neuron, making even the simplest movements of walking, speaking, and gesture impossible. Ultimately the body becomes paralyzed, yet through it all, the mind remains unaffected.
We will be walking in memory of Travis Vick and Dan Ranzenberger, both of whom lost their courageous battle to this horrid disease. Through their struggles with the debilitating effects they have forever inspired us with their determination and bravery. It is this inspiration that leads us to continue the fight against ALS in their memory, knowing we have the ability to help others fight their battle.
The staff of the ALS Association helps families in their day-to-day struggle with ALS. They offer many crucial patient service programs, as well as fund cutting-edge research worldwide. Funds raised from the walk will support those programs.
The walk is Saturday, September 8 at East Silver Lake Park in Rochester. Check-in is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Our team name is "Turkey Trekkers".
To register go to
Click on the "Join Us! Walk to DíFeet ALS" link.
Then choose the "2007 Rochester Walk".
Click on the second red box "Join a Walk Team".
Type "Turkey Trekkers" in the team name box and click search.
Click "Join" and follow the online instructions.
If you are unable to participate in the walk but would like to make a donation you may do so online or send a check payable to the ALS Association to us at 524 S. Decorah St., Caledonia, MN 55921. If you have any questions feel free to call us at 507-724-2041.
Whatever you can give will help! We greatly appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Dawn Schuttemeier
& Telly Ranzenberger
Caledonia
Read County Board minutes and be informed on important issues
To the Editor:
There have been a great number of "Chicken Little" statements made over the past year regarding the Justice Center project. It is understandable that we look at change from that angle first. Letís look at this again from another angle.
County commissioners have the task of representing all county residents and to make decisions in their best interests, especially on large projects such as a justice center.
I have seen no statistics that county jails pose any more risk or hazards to the residents than any other government facility.
Senior citizens and children navigate the streets and walkways around the courthouse square. Give them credit. The same cars will be coming and going with a very moderate increase.
Traffic is controlled by placing entrances to parking lots in strategic places. The city can make its recommendations to place traffic wherever it feels it fits their city street plan.
Closing streets not strategic for traffic flow saves the city money in maintenance and upkeep.
Retaining county functions in one location is more cost effective than spreading buildings in different locations. I spend a number of hours at Franciscan Clinic this summer watching couriers hauling truckloads of stuff back and forth. It takes time and money.
Jails and residential properties can and do co-exist in many areas. I believe Shakopee Womenís Prison is across the street from a school and the residents nearby requested that it not be fenced because they wanted it looking more residential.
County seat towns have an advantage over other communities in the rural counties. Perhaps thatís why Caledonia residents spirited away the records from Brownsville in the early days so that Caledonia could retain that position.
When a petition is circulated, accurate information should be made available so the signer can make an informed decision about signing it. Please read the minutes from the August 7 board meeting or bonding and referendum information.
Ann Thompson
Caledonia, Minn.
Goose decoys are stolen from private property in Brownsville
To the Editor:
Would the person that removed (stole) our two extra large goose decoys and our flamingos for the second time, please return them by our pond where your took them from.
That is private property.
Russell Besse
4030 Poplar Grove
Brownsville, Minn.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com