Carolyn Lange
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A reporter for more than 30 years, Carolyn Lange covers county government and regional news with the West Central Tribune.
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For the sons and daughters of Norwegian immigrants who were living in Minnesota a hundred years ago, summertime meant "sommerskole." For several weeks during the summer, the children would meet, usually at a church, to study Norwegian and English languages, math and the geography and history of Norway. They also learned traditional folk arts and got a good dose of religion. The purpose was to "retain the ties to the homeland," said Gary Erickson of Willmar.
WILLMAR -- After an effort to limit future building of a Long Lake development failed on a 2-2 vote, the final plat for Pleasant Cove was approved Tuesday by the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners. The developers, Willmar Poultry Company, have five lots platted on the narrow strip of land, located on Long Lake in Dovre Township.
WILLMAR -- A computerized system that maps out every inch of Kandiyohi County's land is nearing completion and could be available to the public at their computers within the next couple months. County Surveyor Duane Bonnema gave the county commissioners an update Tuesday on his office's progress in putting together the map that will eventually replace the county's 20-by-30-inch, half-section paper maps that cost about $10 a copy for people requesting the data. "We're bringing a new system to the county," said Bonnema.
WILLMAR -- Three popular -- and dangerous -- shore fishing spots in Kandiyohi County will be made safer and more accessible to anglers this summer. Construction of floating docks on Foot Lake and Games Lake and a fishing bridge on Green Lake will get people off the edge of narrow roads where vehicles zip inches away from tackle boxes, adults reeling in lunkers and excited kids eager to wet their lines. "The kids just drop their bikes and fish from the shoulder of the road," said Greg Soupir, from the Department of Natural Resources office in Spicer, about the Games Lake fishing spot. Locate
BELGRADE -- DFL delegates in Senate District 13 unanimously endorsed a slate of legislative candidates Wednesday in Belgrade, including two political veterans with nearly 40 years of combined legislative experience. State Sen. Dean E. Johnson and Rep.
WILLMAR -- A wind turbine that would generate more than half of the power needed to operate the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, and at the same time serve as an educational tool about renewable energy, was given preliminary approval Monday by the Kandiyohi County Planning Commission. The advisory committee approved the conditional use permit on a unanimous vote. The Kandiyohi County Commissioners will act on the issue on Tuesday. "I think it's a good project," said Ed Huseby, planning commission member. "Fascinating," said Gwynne Anderson, another member of the advisory commis
WILLMAR -- Robert Auch worked for more than a year in the intensive care unit at a military hospital in Germany helping troops who were "torn up pretty bad" in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. After 14 months on duty, Auch arrived home to Benson in March. The next day he was back at work at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Auch, a registered nurse, is a former Minnesota National Guard member and a current member of the Army Reserve. He has had a fairly smooth transition home after completing his wartime duty. And it's getting smoother every day.
Yellow ribbons and parades have been common fare as troops have gradually returned from duty in Iraq. But for many, what comes after the welcome-home party can leave them feeling isolated, alienated and out of step with the community they left behind. It's not that hometown residents are doing anything bad or wrong, said Minnesota National Guard Chaplain John Morris.
WILLMAR -- Budget reserves will be used to pay for higher-than-expected construction costs of county road projects this year. During a special meeting Thursday morning, the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners agreed to use the entire undesignated road and bridge reserve fund of $2.3 million, rather than delay two or three projects, including the final 1½-inch layer of bituminous on Willmar Avenue, which is also called County Road 23. "We're not in the red, but we're close," said Public Works Director Gary Danielson.
WILLMAR -- Kandiyohi County Administrator Wayne Thompson is recovering from a concussion following an accident over the weekend at his home on Norway Lake. In casual conversation Tuesday with County Commissioners, Thompson said he fell from a slippery dock Friday evening and struck his head on rocks in a shallow part of the lake. He was home alone at the time and a neighbor called rescue personnel. Thompson was taken to Rice Memorial Hospital by the Sunburg ambulance. He praised the local rescue squad and ambulance personnel for their assistance.