“We Serve” is the banner of the Lions and in November the Big Lake Lions will be celebrating 46 years of service to the community and the world.   

    Two founding members are still active with the Lions: Norm Leslie and Bob Noble. “I’m touched when I hear about the people that we help with our vision, hearing and diabetes programs.  We also give out a large number of scholarships to high school graduates, including some to trade schools,” Leslie stated.  

   Current president and five-year member Brian Levanduski added, “We also provide disaster relief with meals, gift cards and hotel stays.  I joined five years ago when the JCs closed and the Lions took back the fishing contest.”

   Leslie served on the first board when they started with 20 members.  He and Noble have both served as president twice. 

   The Lions have donated $40,000 to their projects in the last couple of years including Boy Scouts, the Big Lake Community Food Shelf, the fire department, various school and community projects and Christmas baskets. With no paid staff, all profits from their fundraisers are granted back to their programs.

  Gene Earney and Chuck Martinson joined within the first two years of the fledging club. “I just moved to Big Lake and was one of the first recruits,” Martinson noted.

   The late Bill Middlestadt was the first President and founding member. Within a couple of years the members started new Lions chapters in Becker and Monticello. 

   Lions International is over 100 years old and is the largest humanitarian organization in the world with 1.4 million volunteers. The Elk Rivers Lions was Big Lake’s sponsor.

   “I’ve been a member for 35 years and I truly appreciate all the leaders and volunteers and the time they contribute,” noted Irv Danielowski.  

    Lions sponsored Spud Fest for 15 years under the leadership of Bob Fischer until the mid-1990s when it became its own non-profit organization. The members continue to volunteer every summer in the beer tent, potato pancake breakfast and set-up and take-down.

   Big Lake Lioness Club began in 1983 and is still going on today.  Women were allowed to join Lions in 1989.

   In the late 1980- early 90s the Lions purchased 32 acres of land and developed their park.  In 1992 it was donated to Big Lake Township as the international organization doesn’t allow clubs to own property. They received a 99-year lease to hold both the Lions and Lioness meetings at Big Lake Township’s Lions Park.

   While Big Lake Township maintains the park, the Lions contribute playground equipment and other improvements to the fields and the dog parks.

   One of their first projects was the ice fishing contest which they sponsor annually in February.  They sponsor breakfasts, a fish fry in late winter and a golf tournament in July to raise funds for their projects.

   “I enjoy being a Lion. I like associating with people who live to help others and who are committed to making their community a better place.” declared Paul Knier  who joined a year ago.

  Tim Suchy said he joined five years ago so he “could do his part being involved and helping out.”

   Noble and Leslie would like to see more people involved in their 31-member club, which includes five women.  Noble added, “we used to have our own softball team in our earlier years.”

  Debbie Johnson grew up with the Lions as she was 13 years old when her dad Norm Leslie was the board.  She and Scott Johnson joined eight years ago when “we became empty nesters.  We want to see more women and couples join us!”  They have both served as president.

   Martinson added, “Members have a real opportunity for leadership growth, locally and regional.  We help people at the grassroots level. It’s also a great way to get to know others!”

   Bill Blackhurst of Boy Scouts joined a year ago because Lions is a worthwhile organization. “They help Eagle Scouts with their projects and they give to worthy causes.”

   Gina and Dennis Wolbeck joined Lions one and a half years ago when their children were grown. “We stopped at their booth at the Big Lake Chamber’s Community/Expo Fair and decided to join!” reported Gina.

  “It is fun to be involved.  It is especially enjoyable to make a difference in lives of other people.  And that is what the Lions do.” concluded Knier.

With no discussion Wednesday, the Big Lake City Council approved its preliminary tax levy to fund 2020 budget operations.

   There were no changes to earlier tax and budget proposals by Finance Mgr. Deb Wegeleben, which were reviewed by the council in a special workshop.

   The tax levy will be available for public review at the council’s Nov. 26 meeting. A final levy will be presented at their Dec. 11 meeting.

The 2020 preliminary general fund budget is set at $5,281,655, an increase of 8.74%, or $424,456 over the current year.

   Majority of the increase will go toward increased salaries and health benefits for city staffers.

   The general fund property tax levy will be $4,435,953. That includes a general fund levy of $3,221,819, a debt service levy of $1,214,134 and a levy to support the economic development authority at $130,000.

   The combined tax levies will be an increase of 5.46%, or $236,543 over 2019.

Wegeleben reported at earlier sessions, the city’s property valuation is expected to increase by 10% in 2020, eight percent of that fueled by increased valuation of properties, and two percent fueled by the increase in properties constructed during the year.

   As a result, the city’s tax rate will decrease by 1.21%, to 51.22% in 2020.

   The city’s expenditures for 2020 are proposed as follows: 

   Public Safety (police and fire departments), $2.6 million, or 50% of the general fund; 

General Government, $858,000, or 16% of the general fund;

   Culture, library, parks and recreation, will receive $771,000, or 15% of the fund;

EDA will receive $127,000, or two percent of the fund.

   Taxes and special assessments will supply 50% of the city’s general fund revenue in 2020.

   Licenses and permits will fund 10%.

   Charges for services will provide $267,854, or eight percent.

Transfers in from Lake Liquors will be $450,000. Those funds in recent years have paid for parks and trails improvements, including the recently completed McDowall Park trail.

The city expects to receive $916,000 in funding from the state of Minnesota in 2020. That money is dedicated to new equipment purchases and one-time programs, in case the money doesn’t trickle down from St. Paul.

   The proposed levy would cost the owner of a home valued at $216,000 $83.98 per month.

   Public Safety would cost $35.11; City Debt, $16.46; Culture and Recreation, $13.13; General Government, $11.77; and Streets and Engineering, $7.51.

   Under the proposed tax levy, that homeowner would see an increase of $5.57 per month.

Police Report

   Police Chief Joel Scharf met with the council and secured approval for the securing of four watercraft-related items, for free, from the U.S. Military in Virginia.

   The two boats and two extra motors, valued at $46,000, sere secured though the U.S. Military - Return to Duty Program, through the work of Officer Guy Chaffee from the Big Lake Police Dept..

   The items were a 2007          Parker boat and 115 hp Evinrude motor, $15,000, a 2009 McKee boat and 90 hp Yamaha motor, $15,000, and a 225 hp and 25 hp Mercury motors, valued at $16,000.

   City’s cost was $3,000 to transport the equipment back to Big Lake.

 Scharf said the 2009 McKee boat and trailer has been donated to the Big Lake Fire Dept., which can use it in water-related rescues.

   To date, Chaffee has engineered $309,000 in federal equipment acquisitions, which drew great praise from Scharf.

Residents Speak

   Two residents spoke up during open forum at Wednesday’s meeting.

Peter Brulay, 213 Crescent St., asked the council why the disparity in setback and other requirements for siting a storage shed on his property, compared to other parts

of the city.  

   The city will meet with him and find an answer.

 Also, Brandon Link, Eagle Lake Road resident, asked for city review of an alleyway next to his home which was vacated. He wishes for additional vacation, so he can store equipment.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is considering a rule change that could potentially reduce the number of people receiving food support.

Last week, Amanda Larson Public Health and Economic Support Supervisor and Financial Assistance Supervisor Lisa Holker gave the Sherburne County Commissioners a presensation on the proposed changes.

In 2010 the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services (DHS) implemented a Federal policy option called Broad Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) that helped  streamline the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance  Program (SNAP) process by waiving asset limits and increasing income eligibility from 130% of the Federal Poverty Guideline to 165%.

Larson said on July 24, the USDA proposed a rule to dramatically limit BBCE by bringing back asset limits and decreasing the Federal Poverty Guideline to 130%.

Larson said 42 states currently use the BBCE option, and congress has repeatedly rejected similar proposals in the past. But if it is approved now it will dramatically change the number of people eligible for SNAP. 

“If we were to lower the guideline to 130%, it would affect 35,500 people in Minnesota and 47 in Sherburne County,” said Holker.

The change would lower the eligibility income for a family of four to $32.600.

“That’s not a whole lot of dollars for them to pay all their bills,” she said. “So pulling that SNAP away is going to be very harmful to those families.”

SNAP also qualifies children for free school lunches and the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program that serves pregnant women, children under five, providing critical access to nutrition services.

Holker said the second part of the proposed rule change would have even more impact.

Currently, there is no asset limit to be eligible for SNAP. HHS doesn’t even ask about assets as part of the eligibility process, and has no idea how many people would be affected.

If the rule change is approved, the federal asset limit for SNAP would be $2,250 for households without a senior or disabled member, or $3,500 with a senior or disabled member.

“That doesn’t include a house or primary vehicle,” said Holker. “But it would include everything else- retirement accounts, bank accounts,  a second vehicle... It’s very concerning. It doesnt take much to exceed the asset limit.”

Holker said seniors would be most affected because they are likely to have bank accounts or retiremrnt accounts. But it can be devastating to a family where someone loses a job and doesn’t have income. Currently, they can use savings with SNAP as a supplement.

“If you don’t have a stable job and don’t have savings to get through to supplement unemployment, it can be scary,” said Holker.

Other families would be affected, especially those with two working parents.

“If a two-parent family has two vehicles for working, most of those families will be over the asset limit,” said Holker. 

And, she said public transit isn’t really an option in many places.

The rule change would also have a big impact on the county HHS department, which currently doesn’t have to ask about assets.

A study in Hennepin Count showed 27% of staff time is used for determining asset verification. Holker said that would translate to 3.5 additional full-time positions in Sherburne County.

Staff would have to ask for pay stubs, current balance on all bank accounts, titles for all vehicles and retirement statements. 

“We would have to verify with third party documentation everything the client is telling us,” she said. “It would be a great administrative burden to start to verify all those things.”

Larson said the change would eliminate SNAP to those who need it most.

“We’re not talking about a program that people get rich on. It’s really a stipend to combat hunger and provide food stability for our most vulnerable population,” she said. “Ninety percent of people on SNAP are seniors, children or people with disabilities.”

Larson said the county has an opportunity to give public comment on the proposal. That comment is due Sept. 23.

The board gave its approval for HHS to comment on the rule change.

  The number of complaints from damaged tires due to the recent screw-throwing episode with an Elk River man has grown to 300, Police Chief Joel Scharf reported to the Big Lake City Council Wednesday.

   Jeffrey Caouette, 63,  has been charged with various counts in the incidents, which may result in a damage complaint of $13,000 to $14,000, he reported.

He has been released from custody, but is ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device.

   Four persons, including Richard Hinrichs of Big Lake, have donated to a fund to help restore losses, Scharf reported. Hinrichs’ contribution was $1,300.

   He is seeking restitution of losses in their complaint through the county attorney’s office.

Meanwhile, the good news out of the episode. Jeff and Laura Jones, owners of Sand Dunes Auto Repair, have been fixing for free an estimated 100 tires punctured by the screws. They concluded their offer to the public Sept. 6.

   Despite “screwballs,” like Coauette, Scharf reports the City of Big Lake remains the safest city of those its size in the State of Minnesota, reviewing crimes against people and crimes against property.

Big Lake earned a weighted-factor ranking of .51 compared to other cities. Following were Orono, .50; Worthington, .48; Lino Lakes, .43; Hutchinson, .39; and Eden Prairie, .37.

   He reported his officers made 425 traffic stops and 62 arrests in August. Their total calls were 1,506, or 48 a day.

Among the arrests, 29 revoked drivers license, six DUI, three narcotics and domestic assault arrests. There were 87 suspicious persons and vehicle reviews.

   Mike Goebel, city maintenance manager, reported electrical work is beginning on the wastewater treatment plant expansion. He also reports a new dump truck is on its way.

   Fire Chief Ken Halvorson noted his appreciation to Lake Liquors for sponsoring the five-week promotion to fund fire department projects. 

   Their fire week open huse is Oct. 13 from 11 to 2. Pumpkins will be on hand, he says.

During August, his department had 19 calls, 12 to the city, two each to Big Lake and Orrock townships and two mutual aid.

They are also training four new firefighters.

In Other Action

   In other action, the council approved $28,800 to McChesney Heating and Air Conditioning to replace four HVAC rooftop units.

   The accepted the resignation of Charlie Gammon, waster-wastewater foreman, effective this month;

* Accepted a request for annexation of a parcel on the east frontage road from Great River Federal Credit Union.

Moderator John Norgren reconvened the annual meeting of the Big Lake Twp.  Tuesday to update the proposed 2020 levy.  

Treasurer Ken Warneke presented a revised proposal to the sparsely-attended meeting of eight residents. The initial $1,938,000 for 2020 approved at their March meeting was increased by $45,000.  The new budget is a 17.27% increase over 2019. 

Road fund increased the most from the initial 2020 budget at $60,000 to $1,337,000.  “We have 79 miles of roads and we need to increase this fund because of the rough winter and spring we had,” pointed out Warneke.

The general fund increased $20,000 and the fire fund decreased $35,000.

  “Our 2020 tax rate will be 22.74%, which will be on the higher end of townships.  But it is a lot less than cities.” concluded Warneke.  This rate was based on an estimated 7% increase in tax capacity and represents a 10.1% tax rate increase over 2019.

   With no questions or discussion, the residents approved the new levy.  The next annual meeting is scheduled for 6 pm, March 10. Norgren concluded the meeting in 16 minutes.

   Prior to the reconvened annual meeting, the supervisors met for 45 minutes. During open forum Bret Collier asked the supervisors to consider using 100% salt instead of the 80 /20 sand-salt mixture they currently use on icy roads in the winter.  He noted that the sand requires additional sweeping in the spring.  

   Chair Bruce Aubol noted that most townships use the 80/20 mixture and it is more environmentally-friendly.  Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas indicated a nearby township had been using all salt but now has gone back to the mix.  She added that at extreme temperatures, the salt doesn’t melt whereas the sand at least gives tires some grip.

Landowner Jim Gullickson requested a simple plat change, splitting his 14 acres along Co. Rd. 15 into two lots.  At Town Engineer Ross Abel’s recommendation, the board tabled their review until the survey with contours and elevation is completed.

Under their consent agenda the supervisors approved the Joint Resolution 2019-04 conveyance of Big Lake Industrial Park East land to town and city to clear the title for future sale.

The supervisors approved Joint Resolution 2019-05 orderly annexation request from Great River Federal Credit Union on a small piece of land east of Big Lake Area Veterinarian Hospital.  Aubol added that this approval complies with their standard policies. 

Aubol thanked staff and Warneke for responding so quickly to the Labor Day storm that blocked a driveway and road for one resident on 182nd Ave., who needed to get to work.  The resident was appreciative.

Aubol also reported the Big Lake Fire Joint Powers Board at the recommendation of City Administrator Clay Wilfahrt recently met at the fire station for a worthwhile discussion with staff on their challenges and see the equipment. He suggested the township board do something similar in the near future. Swenson added that it was appropriate to recognize them since it was 9/11.

Supervisor Norm Leslie reported that lights were replaced at several locations, including an additional light on the light pole at the playground to brighten the dog park and the playground. 

Warneke reported that the culvert on Ranch Road should be replaced in early October with a temporary power outage to area residents.  Under the treasurer’s report, he also noted that the road fund has a negative balance until the state’s last check in November arrives.

Kimberly-Maas invited the supervisors to attend Option Inc’s 40th anniversary celebration in October.  She added that the township “hires their clients and they do a great job.”

A small group of people gathered outside CentraCare in Monticello for a special occasion Tuesday afternoon.

It was the dedication of the Tree of Life Labyrinth in the CentraCare Healing Garden.

“It’s a wellness tool - a walking meditation,” said Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo Spiritual Health Program Coordinator with CentraCare Health - Monticello. “The Healing Garden is already a mediative quiet space, and now we’re able to offer a different tool to use for meditation.”

The labyrinth was designed and installed by Minnesota artist Lisa Gidlow Moriarty from Stillwater.

“She does labyrinths all over the world,” said Bakkemo. “We were very fortunate that she was right here in Minnesota and was able to help with our vision.”

The design was selected partly because it is easily accessible to people in wheelchairs and to all people because of the limited number of tight turns.

The labyrinth was started in May and completed in June.

Joni Pawelk, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for CentraCare Monticello, said community donations to the CentraCare Foundation helped make the labyrinth possible.

“Our regional development committee looks at different requests that come in,” she said. “CentraCare as an organization is committed to caring for the whole person.” 

During the dedication ceremony, Dr. John Herring, Co-Administrator of CentraCare Health - Monticello, reiterated that sentiment.

“I can tell you as a family physician, I know the importance of not just caring for the physical health of a patient,” he said.  “I’ve also seen how important it is to think about caring for the whole person. That includes the mind and spirit.”

Rev. Bakkemo said the labyrinth is open for anyone - not just CentraCare residents and staff.

“It’s not tied to any faith or religion,” she said. “People can use it for prayer, meditation, contemplation, for just being still, being quiet or for stress relief. There’s a lot of uses. It can be a healing experience. No two journeys are the same.”

“Last Saturday we had another successful annual dog vaccination clinic at the Big Lake Township’s Lions Park. The success is attributed to Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital.  The Knights of Columbus did a fabulous job with the registration”, notes Big Lake Township Deputy Clerk Jayme Swenson.

The clinic, hosted by the township and city of Big Lake, provided reduced cost vaccinations of rabies, lymes and DHPP to dogs in the community.

“I don’t think Rogue felt the shot at all.  It was very quick and efficient and was less expensive than I normally pay,” noted first-timer Katie Vande Brake as she brought her 15-year-old beagle.

Shelley Berthiaume praised the clinic for their service.  “The vet came outside to give the shots since we have big dogs.”

    It is anticipated that the event will continue to be held at the Big Lake Township’s Lions Park next September.  This service has been offered for 13 years.

“The town and city are grateful and would like to thank Barrington Oaks Veterinary, their staff and volunteers from the Knights of Columbus.  It is clear that without the support of businesses and volunteers from the community, we would miss out on important opportunities.   We appreciate ALL volunteers out there!” concluded Swenson.

  It’s not a big issue in that it affects few residents. But it sure is afflicting the Big Lake City Council.

Developing a stricter commercial vehicle parking restriction in residential areas has captured their attention for several workshops. It did again last week, with the council split in workshop session on whether to tighten the restrictions or keep them as they are.

  The city’s current ordinance states each residential property can have one commercial vehicle, but that unit cannot weigh more than 12,000 pounds.

   However, an unofficial survey of the city one day this summer only revealed a few neighborhoods have such vehicles.

   Neighbors do complain about them and that prompted the passion of Councilwoman Rose Johnson to ensure they aren’t there.

   Her argument - such vehicles destroy the scenery of the neighborhood and reduce the value of properties.

Mayor Mike Wallen made similar arguments.

   But the remainder of the council wasn’t so quick to pull back on the ordinance restrictions. Councilman Paul Knier saying the property owners should have their rights protected, too.

   As for Councilman Seth Hansen: It wasn’t a big issue.

Council action was to refer the issue back to the zoning and planning commission for more discussion.

   Police Chief Joel Scharf has weighed in on the discussion, asking for more clarity as his officers are the ones on the streets attending to problems.

   A Class 3 rig, weighing at 12,000 pounds, would include a large walk-in truck, a box truck, a city delivery vehicle or a heavy duty pickup.

Theft & Vandalism

   The council approved a new ordinance implementing theft and vandalism criteria in which the cases, not criminal in nature, would not go to the courts.

   Scharf asked for the new ordinance because administrative fines could be levied on behalf of the claimant, rather than going to the criminal process.

   The cases would need to be initiated by the victim of an incidence of theft or vandalism. And it would need to be agreed to by the aggressor.

   Savings to the city would be significant, as it would result in officer in-court time being reduced.

   The council heard from City Administrator Clay Wilfahrt on the current Hwy. 25 Corridor program.

   It has a new name - the Central Mississippi Regional River Planning Partnership (CMRRPP).

   The group is meeting at least monthly and is taking on a more regional view to plans for a river crossing in the Monticello-Big Lake area.

   The council also agreed to staff to purchase 15 additional holiday decorations for use along the Hwy. 10 corridor.

   The Big Eagle Lake Improvement Association (BELIA) reported no new aquatic invasive species in their lake after surveys held this summer.

   That means, no starry stonewort, zebra mussels or spiny water flea - European water milfoil and curley leaf pondweed have been present for many years and are being dealt with.

   The association also recognized several of its members for helping to put in 50-hour minimum required boat launching inspection hours which enabled the group to receive a grant of $500.

   The grant was from the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District office.

   Volunteers are dispatched to boat launches to help educate boaters on “Clean, Drain and Dry” their vessels, to ensure AIS does not get transported from lake to lake.

   Among the volunteers, Paul Ellinger, Ken and Lori Andreen, J. Craig Johnson, Joan Fenton, Debbie Gilyard, Jeff Johnson, Colleen Cooper, John Smullen, Ed Peitso and Don Fischer.

   The water collection program to look for AIS was held in mid-July. The samples were sent into LimnoPro, a consultant and lab at St. Cloud, where the contents were examined under a microscope.

   The consultants looked for zebra mussels veligers and the invasive zooplankton - spiny waterflea and fishhook waterflea.

   Dan Cibulka of the SWCD, which coordinated the sample collection, reported with satisfaction the results of the testing.

   “This is of course great news,” he said. “And also it  is information we could not have collected without each of your efforts.

   “Thanks again for your participation in our AIS early detection programs. We hope to see you again next year.”

“We like to come to Big Lake to use the beach and fish. The water is very clear and we catch sunfish,” stated Dua Donham of Elk River as she borrowed a fishing pole from the fishing dock at Lakeside Park.  

Four fishing poles at the dock have been available for people to use since May, thanks to the work of Big Lake resident Arch Archuleta.  “I love to fish and I want others to enjoy it too.

“I grew up in Albuquerque but my dad took me fishing in northern New Mexico,” Archuleta added.  He lived in Annandale for 25 years commuting to the Cities for work and moved to Big Lake two and a half years ago.

After receiving permission from City of Big Lake Public Works Director Mike Goebel, Archuleta created a holder for the poles.  He checks on them daily, replacing and repairing as needed.  A&P Laser Engraving of Zimmerman donated a sign encouraging people to use the poles.

“The park attendants have been great, encouraging people to try fishing with these poles if they didn’t bring their own,“ continued Archuleta. “I’ve replaced eight poles, a dozen reels, 40 bobbers and lots of tackle and jigs. One man donated 1000 yards of fishing line and others have donated poles, reels and bobbers so this is a community project.

“I’ll be putting away these poles in the next couple of weeks,” concluded Archuleta. “Next year I’ll have the holders for the poles placed wider from each other so the lines don’t get tangled up as much.”

Last month McKenzie and Jayden Larson of Monticello caught largemouth bass and sunfish as they fished at Lakeside Park.

Scott and Pam Brauer of New York stopped to fish at Lakeside Park for the first time.  “We were in St. Cloud and had an extra hour and half  before we needed to be at the Minneapolis airport,” Brauer noted.  “We looked for a lake close to I-94 and found Big Lake. You should be proud of this beautiful lake and park.   We’ll come back!”

   Big Lake High School (BLHS) hosted 38 businesses, non-profit organizations and governmental units at their third annual Youth Apprenticeship & Career Fair Thursday to 1170 eighth-12th grade students.

Fifth graders from Independence STEM Elementary School also attended the event.

     Human Resources (HR) Manager-MN Janelle Moll and HR Generalist Andrea Barrett of Arconic announced that they would be interviewing students next week for a youth apprenticeship.   The student must be enrolled in BLHS’s new Project Lead the Way Engineering Design and Development course.  Eighty percent of Arconic’s contracts are military and defense.

   “We’re excited to be partnering with BLHS to be one of the first in the nation to offer a paid apprenticeship in which the student will be working in engineering, quality control, machining and maintenance,” smiled Barrett.  “Our employees are able to receive 100% reimbursement of their college tuition and we have 20-25% pay differential for night and weekend shifts.”

   “The student will be exploring every department at Arconic for at least two weeks,” noted BLHS Work-Based Learning Coordinator Wade Olson, who organized this event and coordinated the internship. “The student will truly learn everything about the business.”

   “Nearly half of the students don’t immediately graduate with two or four-year degrees right out of high school, “ BLHS Principal Robert Dockendorf noted.  “Many students wait to get their degree when they are in their late 20’s or later.  We need to help our students explore their options.”  

   “I could drive this!” exclaimed freshman Kendal Kopp as she hopped on the Cat308 excavator provided by Veit of Rogers. Veit’s Director of Construction-Tech Matt Britton said, 

“We’re always looking for opportunities to bring our business to potential employees. “

   Junior Brennan Bebeau sought advice from Ultra Image Powder Coating Manager Material Resources Ben Johnson and Human Services Manager Levi Merth for coating car parts on his 2005 PT Cruiser.

“I’m just exploring my options,” noted freshman Tate Schum as he chatted with Ultra Machining Company’s Aaron Mumbleau.

   Two graduates of the BLHS and Wright Technical School apprenticeship program Levi Praman and Wesley Cavegn employed at LISI Medical were eager to share their experiences with the youth.  Praman has worked at LISI for two and a half years and recently completed his degree at St Cloud Community and Technical College.

   “I heard a student say in the hallway as they left the fair ‘I know what I want to do’ and that is what we hope happens with this event,” concluded Dockendorf.