Another
good dose of BAD
MEDICINE
A NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA FALL 2007
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION – FOUNDED 1972
Dear BMLAA members:
As the incoming President of our Association, I want to thank all of you who have renewed your memberships and also thank those of you who have become new members. As of this writing, there were 108 memberships registered. Last year there were 60. We have experienced a significant increase thanks to the efforts started last year by Past President Ed Klepperich and last years board.
What makes an association successful is the participation of its membership, not just the efforts of a few. I encourage all of you to become active in the Association, attend a few meetings and make yourselves heard. The more ideas or suggestions, the better the Board and the Association will become. If you would like to serve on the Board, please let us know so that you may be considered for nomination in the future. Board terms are for three years. Currently the Board meets every 4th Saturday of the month at 8:00AM at the Forest Township Hall.
For those of you who have not joined the Association, please reconsider. The cost is minimal, $15 per person, and the funds received are needed to help bring more meaningful information to you and to help make the voices of seasonal property owners heard by our elected representatives on issues affecting us.
My goals are to continue increasing our membership, to improve communications between the Board and the members and to bring autonomy to the membership as a whole. There have been past issues that have been divisive and while there will always be challenges facing us; hopefully we can work together for the common good.
The Association will continue to inform you of issues and happenings affecting Bad Medicine and the surrounding area. This will help all of us become better lake stewards. Our top priority should be protecting and caring for the resources we have available to us so we and future generations may enjoy it. We are blessed to have this very special place we call Bad Medicine.
James A. Luttrell, President
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION NEWS
A reminder that all members of the BMLAA are invited to the monthly board meeting on the 4th Saturday of the month at 8 AM at the Forest Township Hall. Minutes of the meetings are available at www.badmedicinelakeareaassociation.com. An overview of topics discussed and acted upon during the July and August meetings:
2008 ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM, JUNE 7, 2008
2007-2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION
President, Jim Luttrell, 573-3411; Vice President, Chuck Church, 573-2209; Secretary Carole Olsen, 573-3081; Don Tschudi, Treasurer, 573-3790; Rose Andersen, 573-3690; Tom Lorentzsen, 573-3394; Mike Slette, 573-3766; Rod Syverson, 218-784-3881; Ray Vlasak, 573 -3243; David Wiest, 701-866-9374;
FOREST TOWNSHIP NEWS
NEW FOREST TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MEETS
The Forest Township Planning Commission met for the first time on May 18, 2007 at the Forest Township Hall. The commission was established as required in the new 2006 Forest Township Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the commission is to review all zoning issues, including plats of property and requests for conditional use permits, and then provide recommendations to the Township Board.
The May 18 meeting was held to review several zoning questions and provide clarification in regards to Forest Township Zoning Ordinance. Dennis Anderson, Rolf Christianson, Carol Peterson (members at large) and John Backes (Forest Township Board member) were in attendance. The Planning Commission spent time reviewing the Ordinance and John provided the updated information on concurrent zoning that came from the Association of Township Boards. Dennis Anderson provided background information on the development of the Forest Township Zoning Ordinance.
At the June 12, 2007 meeting of the Township Board, the Planning Commission reported the following:
1. After extensive review of the Zoning Ordinance, the Commission found that for first tier riparian property, Forest Township Zoning has jurisdiction concurrently with Becker County for residential, agricultural, and other permitted uses after 267+ feet for recreational lakes, 400+ feet for natural lakes, and 300+ feet for river property. Forest Township has sole jurisdiction over second tier and all other township property.
2. New commercial or industrial use is not allowed on the aforementioned back portion of a riparian lot, nor on any other township property. Zoning does not allow feedlot development.
3. The Commission advised the Township to update the Ordinance to reflect the change in Minnesota law regarding the repair and replacement of nonconforming structures/real estate destroyed by fire or other peril.
4. The Commission was also asked to consider whether Forest Township should update its comprehensive land use plan. This was tabled so a more in-depth study could be made of Becker County’s land use plan and that the Township Board will place it on a future agenda.
It is the opinion of the Planning Commission that the new 2006 Forest Township Zoning Ordinance has, in actuality, rendered Forest Township to be zoned residential. It is from the residential perspective that the Planning Commission will view all zoning issues.
Submitted by members of the Planning Commission
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The current Forest Township Board of Adjustment was established as part of the new 2006 Township Zoning Ordinance. The Board of Adjustment consists of the three township supervisors (Ray Vlasak, Don Tschudi, and John Backes), the chair of the Planning Commission, and one member selected at large by the Township Board. The Board of Adjustment has the exclusive power to: 1. grant variances; 2. hear and decide any appeal from an order, requirement, or decision; and 3. interpret and rule on district boundary issues in interpretation of the official land use map. To date, the Board of Adjustment has not met.
AMNESTY DAYS
The Township Amnesty Days were well received based on the quantity of material removed. Both drop-off boxes were overfull on both dates. In addition to the drop-off boxes, 37 mattresses, several sofas and hide-a-beds, over 40 tires, 15 TV’s and computers, batteries and a large quantity of hazardous waste were collected. Hazardous waste is not permitted, but a habit of leaving has developed and grown, so we will just deal with it. Obviously it is a good service to provide as we strive to protect water quality. Be proud of the junk free condition of township roads and trails.
TRASH AND RECYCLING
In general trash and recycling are working very well. There were only a couple incidents of people not locking dumpster covers and bears getting in. A plastic recycling reminder: Only narrow neck plastic containers may be recycled in Becker County. Wide mouth such as coffee containers, yogurt, peanut butter, ice cream, etc. are not permitted. Also plant containers, packaging, misc. plastic and plastic bags and sheeting are not permitted. Don’t forget, the Township receives payment for everything in the recycle sheds and pays out money for everything in the dumpsters.
Recycling is a win-win for you.
ROADS
Again this summer we have experienced very dry conditions and high volume traffic on the roads. These conditions make it difficult to maintain a smooth surface. It would require grading every other day to maintain a smooth surface on East Bad Medicine Lake Road during high traffic periods. Township voters did not pass a levy with adequate funding for this level of maintenance.
ZONING
The Township Zoning Regulations are still not well understood. Becker County has primary zoning responsibility in the township. Virtually all structures including stairs and decks require a Becker County permit. There are also land alteration regulations, especially in riparian areas. You always need to contact the County Environmental Office before beginning any construction in the Township.
Township regulations are secondary and apply to areas beyond 267 feet from Recreational classification lakes (Bad Medicine and Bass) and 400 feet from Natural Environment classification lakes (Big Basswood, Little Basswood, Sockeye, etc.). The Township needs to review all construction beyond the 267 feet to make sure it is compliant with Township Zoning Requirements. The best way to accomplish this is to submit a copy of the county application to the Township Board.
FIRE NUMBERS
Fire numbers are no longer of any value for anything. They are an obsolete system that is no longer used by any government agency. They serve no purpose and might actually confuse emergency services. If you still have one on your drive, remove and discard. Look at it as beautifying the area. The 911 (blue) address signs are now how everyone finds your property. If you do not have one, contact Lisa at the Becker County Environmental Office, 218 846-7314. If you share your drive with a neighbor, you need more than one sign.
STATE TOWNSHIP ROAD ATV LAWS
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA FOUNDATION
Most of you are aware of the Bad Medicine Lake Natural Shoreland Preservation Project the BMLAF has initiated. The BMLAF in conjunction with the MN DNR has submitted a grant application to purchase flood damaged lots in the Shangri-La Road area. The purchased property will ultimately be converted to a state Aquatic Management Area. There are a variety of benefits for the public as well as area property owners. This project requires a 50% local match which can include organizational grants, cash, appreciated equities, land and conservation easements. The BMLAF Advisory Committee is in the process of contacting property owners and organizations for pledges to the project.
Additional flood damaged properties on the west side of the lake are also being planned for purchase and conservation protection. Both the east and west side properties represent habitat areas in need of development protection. They encompass over 1.6 miles of shoreline.
The project is well on its way with pledges already approaching $200,000. To obtain additional information contact an advisory committee member (John Backes, Chuck Church, Tim Holzkamm, Roger Olsen or Ray Vlasak) or another committee member for a copy of a brochure describing the project. All donations will qualify for IRS 501 (C) (3) status. An average donation of $5000 per property owner is needed; however the return in terms of your property values will far exceed this investment.
Larson Property Demolition - One of the properties included in the project is the Larson peninsula. With Mr. Larson’s written permission the Foundation in conjunction with the Lake Association, has begun demolition of the structures on the peninsula. All of the materials are being disposed of in accord with MPCA regulations. Restoration of the land will begin in 2008. This is an all volunteer effort with 22 people assisting on Sept. 1, the first day of work.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED WITH THE DEMOLITION OF THE LARSON BUILDINGS.
BECKER COUNTY OHV (OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES) COMMITTEE
The Becker County Board of Commissioners has appointed a committee to resolve issues between motorized and non-motorized users of County Tax Forfeit Land. Forest Township is represented on this committee by Supervisor Vlasak.
Development of Becker County OHV facilities and programs designed for OHV use of public lands need careful planning and implementation because the Becker County lands to be managed are vast, scattered and mixed with private, State and Tribal owned lands. Furthermore, townships will bear significant costs if designated trails and facilities are located within their boundaries potentially representing another unfunded mandate.
Mission of the OHV Committee - Develop OHV policy recommendations for the Becker County Board to accomplish the development of criteria and guidelines for OHV trail designations and OHV use on County administered lands in order to protect the long term sustainability of these lands both in terms of natural resource protection and economic use and to balance the use by groups with varying interests to ensure a high quality recreational experience for all user groups.
Call (573-3243) or email (highpines@arvig.net) Ray Vlasak with your recommendations for OHV use within Forest Township.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
SUPERVISORS: Ray Vlasak (Chair) 46522 Wildwood Drive 573-3243 highpines@arvig.net Term expires January 4, 2009
John Backes 39250 Horseshoe Rd, 573-3626 jsbackes@yahoo.com Term expires January 4, 2009
Don Tschudi 38257 Bad Medicine Resort Road 573-3790 dschudi@eot.com ,Term expires January, 2011
CLERK Helen Holmer 34409 E Bad Medicine Lake Rd. 573-3813, Term expires January, 2011
TREASURER Donna Waliczek 36916 Sunset Dr. 573-3792 badmed@eot.com Term expires January 4, 2009
FISHING AND WATER QUALITY REPORT FALL 2007
By Steve Lindow
Walleye fishing this summer has been good. Many 3 and 4 year old fish in the 13-15 inch range are being caught and hopefully, most of them are being released to grow bigger. A few larger fish in the 2-3 pound range are also being caught.
Smallmouth bass seem to be abundant again. They have had a history of being in the lake in small numbers since the 1950's and 60's. They primarily eat crayfish and we have noticed a reduced number of crayfish along our shoreline over the past couple of summers. The smallmouth population probably got a chance to get a hold over the last 10 years when the walleye population was low. If one predator disappears or is reduced to a small population, another will take its place in the food chain. The numbers of smallmouth are up, so eating a few is OK. It is still a good idea to release the larger spawning adults to maintain the population into the future. If you catch one, they really fight!
Trout fishing has been good, most ranging from 12-14 inches with a few two year olds making 17-19 inches.
WATER CLARITY measured with a Secchi disk, has been a little lower this summer when compared to other years. Ed Strohmeier reports lows of 15 feet during the middle of July to a high of 29 feet in early June. The average since the middle of May has been 22.9 feet. Do everything you can to reduce rain water run-off from your property. Leave a 10-20 foot natural vegetation barrier along your shoreline if possible. Keep fertilizing to a bare minimum, or best of all, don't fertilize your lawn at all. Our water clarity is dependent on the amount of nutrients that flow into the lake from shore. Once the nutrients enter the water, they stay in the lake and get reused by the algae each year. Even a little run off or fertilizing can become a lot over a few years due to the accumulation impact.
BAD MEDICINE LAKE STATISTICS
Current Level (Sept. 1) – 1598.75 feet, above MSL
2007 Range 1599.27 – 1598.69
2006 Range 1599.74 – 1598.53
2007 Ice-out 1598.95
2006 Ice-out 1599.47
Highest Recorded Water Level 1600.77 July 10, 2002
Ordinary High Water Mark 1594.86
2007 Moisture Jan 1 – May 18 6.50 inches
2007 Rain May 19 – June 13 6.92 inches
2007 Rain June 14 – Sept 1 6.44 inches
BML BOOK CLUB NEWS
A Team of Rivals, Doris Goodwin’s recent history of Lincoln’s presidency, was September’s BML book club study. Ruby and Dennis Anderson lead the discussion. They met at Gloria Church’s home.
October’s choice is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand; Strohmeiers will host.
In November we’ll be reading Phantastes (yes, a fantasy) by George MacDonald
For more information call Marlys Johnson – 573-3732
WEBSITE
BMLAA – www.badmedicinelakeareaassociation.com
Includes lots of information of interest to Bad Medicine Lake residents: minutes of meetings, previous newsletters and many other topics.
DUES
Annual dues to join the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association are $15 per member. Send to Jim Luttrell, 39124 Horseshoe Road, Ponsford MN 56575 or bring to Don Tschudi at Bad Medicine Resort. Include home & lake addresses, phones and email address.
Pay your 2007 dues now and get a free directory.
DIRECTORY UPDATES
BMLAA will be publishing a new directory in 2008. Call changes or corrections to Luella Fraser – 218-935-2567 or e-mail fralou_56589@yahoo.com
PUBLIC ACCESS UPDATE
There is an agreement to transfer the care of the access from the MNDOT to the DNR so there will be changes in the access. The DNR has removed a concrete obstruction at the loading ramp; however there is still some concrete debris in about three feet of water. There is a drop off from the asphalt to the sand making loading difficult. There are no trash receptacles.
We will have an update on the progress in the spring.
HERE COME THE BEETLES
(NO, NOT RINGO AND JOHN)
By Ed Klepperich
Beware the invaders! Once again the fall cometh and with it the onslaught of our friend the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle. Working hard on becoming a “sensitive” man of the current day, your author will not dwell on the fact that these pests are referred to as “ladies”. Their appearance once again will cause no little discomfort to we who must cope with them. But fear not, good neighbor, this edition of “Good Dose” will ride to your rescue, dealing precious information on how to retain sanity midst this crisis.
To go to battle we must first understand our
enemy. The MALB (Those of us knowledgeable about the Harmonia Axyridis flaunt
our superiority by referring to the bug by its acronym) was introduced to the
U.S. by the Department of
Agriculture in 1916, 1964-65 and again in the late 70’s and early 80’s for
purposes of aphid control. What a surprise that something disagreeable would
come from our government (their current “spin” is that they came from a
freighter landing in New Orleans). Nonetheless, they spread throughout the
southern and eastern states eventually discovering Minnesota, first noticed in
numbers in 1998 and by 2000 were dispersed throughout the state.
In Asia the MALB feed on aphids and small soft-bodied insects found in trees. In the U.S. they feed on insects found in trees, as well as pests in row crops and gardens. Their typical life span is one to three months. The adults migrate from the fields and forests in the fall and seek places to spend the winter. In Asia these places are mostly cliffs, but here it is – guess where? Yup! Your house seems a welcome place to prop their feet and turn on the TV.
They prefer the West and South sides of buildings due to warmth from the sun, and eventually will try to get inside. Their migration begins on the first day with temps exceeding 64 degrees after the first cold spell with temps dropping to near freezing. They will stay inside until warm weather makes them active and they come out of hiding in the insulation and attic trying to find a way to get outside to get on with their lives.
The MALB has no natural enemies in the U.S. While the government assures us that its introduction was caused by a naughty boat landing here, it has yet to explain why none of its enemies have made the same trip for the last 20 years; so it is up to us warriors to protect our property from the impending hordes. It should be noted that these undocumented guys will not do any physical harm or structural damage to your digs. But, they do stink when you whack them!
Confident that all of this knowledge makes us invincible, we can now gird ourselves for battle with the wily foe. There are several techniques that can be used for control. Most experts agree that the most important first step is to seal the house. Good caulking – remembering to attend to windows, doors, chimneys, and fascia boards. Fix screens in roof and soffit vents and bathroom and kitchen vents.
Physical exclusion can be supplemented with a residential insect barrier. These must be applied in early to mid-October. Several sprays are available, including one that is recommended: Ortho Home Defense Max. You can get it locally and info is available at www.homedefensemax.com. Others are also around, but be sure it lists the Asian Beetle, since our friend is also sometimes referred to as the Japanese Beetle which is a different fellow. Other insecticides are also available only to the professional control guys. The tank vacuum cleaner is the best non-chemical control device.
There are some traps that can be made at home. They use light or black light to attract the prey and plans for them can be found on these websites: http://ipm.osu.edu/lady/blt1.htm and http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/1beetle/index.html?pf=1. If you are unable to get these, you can call me (Ed 573-3869) and I’ll mail them to you.
As you can see, we have not gone into the lurid detail of reproduction because some of us are still reeling from Harvey’s risqué missive on the mosquito.
HERE A TICK, THERE A TICK, EVERYWHERE A TICK, TICK!
By Mardy Dovre
Yes, we all know ticks are here. They are the leading carriers of diseases to humans in the US, second only to mosquitoes worldwide. It is not the tick bite but the toxins or organisms in the tick’s saliva transmitted through the bite that causes disease.
Ticks are arthropods, like spiders. There are more than 800 species throughout the world. They are responsible for carrying such diseases as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Colorado tick fever and Powassan (a from of encephalitis).
There are two groups of ticks that transmit disease to humans-- hard ticks and soft ticks, which have different body shapes and times of attachment and eating. Hard ticks common to our area include: wood ticks, deer ticks, dog ticks and lone star ticks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that sitting on a log carried the greatest risk of picking up a tick, only five minutes gave a 30% chance of getting a tick on you. Gathering wood was also cited as a risky activity as well as leaning up against a tree. So we people of the lakes and woods need to know symptoms, removal and prevention.
Tick bites are generally painless. You may not even notice the bite. And you may never find the tick if it falls off. Small ticks, like the deer tick that transmits Lyme disease, are so tiny they may be nearly undetectable. Once a tick finds a host—such as you, your pet, a deer and a rabbit—and finds a suitable site for attachment, the tick begins to burrow with its mouthparts into exposed skin. Tick mouthparts are barbed, which helps to secure them to the host.
The actual bite may cause symptoms only after the tick drops off. You may notice local redness, itching and burning—and, rarely, localized intense pain. The results of transmitted illnesses often begin days to weeks after the tick is gone. That’s why doctors may not suspect a tick-related illness. Symptoms may include feeling as if you have the flu, fever, numbness, rash, chills, headache, confusion, weakness, fatigue, pain and swelling in joints and muscles, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. What a way to spend summer!!
Removing a tick involves using a small pair of curved forceps or tweezers. Grasp the tick firmly with the tweezers as close to skin as possible with gentle pulling. Rinse it down the sink, flush in toilet, or keep to show doctor. Thoroughly cleanse area with soap, water, or mild disinfectant. Observe area for several days to see any reaction. Apply antibiotic cream and wash hands after handling any tick, also instruments used.
Prevention includes avoiding grassy areas and shrubs when possible, wearing light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks easily, tucking your pants into boots or socks, applying insect repellants containing DEET and designed for ticks. Promptly check yourself, others and pets when in tick areas. Antibiotics are not usually recommended nor is immunization available now. We can hope for good research!
Many of us have had a tick infection or know others who have. My own experience last year was a bout of ehrlichiosis with symptoms of great fatigue and headache. I did receive a two-week supply of antibiotics and heard later that our son’s dog in Eau Claire had the same diagnosis and medication. I’ve wondered which of us had the better medication price—the one visiting the vet or the family doctor!
For information I hit Google on the Internet and typed in deer ticks. There is much to read.
Remember, most tick bites are probably harmless and will not cause problems. The earlier the tick is removed, the less likelihood of disease.
Bottom line is to check carefully and often!
Anyone ready for snow?
By Harvey Johnson
He speaks with the self-effacing hesitancy of Bob Newhart which lulls the listener into thinking HE has delivered some banal insignificant until you are suddenly jabbed with a Zinger! Concealed in HIS delivery. With HIS benevolent appearance and slight list HE seems a harmless cherub, but in debate HIS bland remarks often cut to the issue, leaving dissenters hung out to dry and wishing they had not, after all, taken a position contrary to HIS own.
The HE and HIS above refer to Tim Holzkamm, the subject of this issue’s Profile.
A judge once encountered the above quality in a trial involving Indian Rights, and asked Tim who, in his opinion, was most qualified to testify as an expert witness. Tim’s reply; “Well, since I’m under oath. . . I am.” And considering his wealth of information and his knowledge of Indian affairs based on years of reading, investigation and research, who’s to argue?
Tim works for an enterprise known as Tim Holzkamm Consulting which recommends actions to be taken regarding all aspects of Indian Affairs. He finds his boss demanding but fair.
Tim is involved in several other activities to varying degrees, among which are:
Bad Medicine Lake Foundation whose six members buy properties at the lake which might fall into the hands of unscrupulous developers who would not manage properties in accordance with the ideals of ecology.
He is a gourmet cook who has catered family reunions and other parties needing as much as thirty pounds of Slow-Cook-Barbecue.
Tim’s family bought a lot of shoreline property on the North end of the lake, but sold off much of it before it reached the current value fifty times the purchase price, or Tim would even now be indulging his Sitzerlust by squatting on his remaining acres. The S-word is his analogy to Wanderlust felt by retiring people in less traveled jobs.
He runs his consulting work from an office near his cabin, from where he also commutes to teaching jobs at NDSU and/or UND or Moorhead State. He has taught both history and anthropology, with emphasis on Native Americans in the Upper Midwest and Canada.
With Del Bjerkness and Don Tschudi he helped edit, compile and publish three books by lake residents:
A Good Dose of Bad Medicine
Reflections on a Lake Called Bad Medicine
The three men achieved a degree of immortality working the North Country National Hiking Trail when a high point on the trail was named Tim-Don-Del Mountain.
WAUBUN SCHOOLS: OUR RESIDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
By John and Sue Backes
The Waubun School District is comprised of 606 students that attend four schools: Ogema Elementary School, Waubun Elementary School, Waubun High School, or the Waubun Area Learning Program. According to the most recently published (2005) Minnesota Department of Education ‘School Report Card,’ the district reports 64% of its students to be American Indian and 36% to be white. Additionally, it reports a graduation rate of 94%. The staff consists of 4 administrators, 55 teachers, 1 media specialist, 3 other licensed professionals, 14 paraprofessionals and 24 other staff for a total staff of 101 people. Superintendent Boyd Bradbury has recently left the district to take a new position and Joe Merseth is the Interim Superintendent while the district searches for a permanent replacement.
The most recent fiscal reporting available in the 2005 MDE ‘School Report Card’ reports high school expenditures of $12,537 per student ($4,000 higher than the state average), instructional (teacher) costs-per-student of $1,352 (4 times the state average), student activities/athletics costs-per-student of $875 (4 times the state average), high school administrative costs-per-student of $603 (twice the state average), and district level administrative costs-per-student of $1,100 (4 times the state average). At the elementary level, costs-per-student are $13,268 ($4,600 higher than the state average). Teacher and administrative costs are approximately twice the state average at the elementary level.
General revenue-per-student in Waubun is significantly different than in most Minnesota districts due to the amount of federally impacted property (White Earth Indian Reservation) within the district. As a result, 2005 federal revenue was $2,527 per student (compared to the state average of $446). State aid/grants provided revenue-per-student of $8,300 (approximately $1,300 higher than the state average). In the area of property taxes, the average school district property tax per home is $276 (approximately half the state average of $512). Because of its high property values, the district tax obligation for Forest Township homes is considerably higher (you can check the portion of your taxes that you pay for the Waubun School District on your tax statement). Forest Township residents pay approximately 20% of the total tax burden for the district, yet send no children to the Waubun Schools. It should be noted that the average tax per home ($276) is low compared to the state because many of the homes in the district are on reservation land and consequently pay no property tax. To compensate for the reservation homes, the federal government actually pays those property taxes to the Waubun District in the form of Federal Impact Aid. One of the contentions of residents in Forest Township is that the Waubun School Board has chosen NOT to use that Federal Impact Aid to reduce the local taxes in our township…even though the federal government guidelines state that Impact Aid may be used to offset local property taxes, expenses for building schools, bond issues (locally approved levies as shown on your tax statement), or other expenses as deemed necessary by the local board. It is this revenue (Federal Impact Aid), combined with state foundation aid and local property taxes that allows the Waubun School District to spend at the high levels mentioned above.
It’s been asked, “What do Forest Township taxpayers get for their tax dollars going to the Waubun District?” In the area of student achievement, elementary students achieve at the state average until grade 3, at which time test scores in math and reading (especially for American Indian children) begin to fall and never recover. At the high school level, Waubun offers courses labeled “college prep” (classes taught locally and intended for college bound students). These appear to have a nice title, but do not necessarily have standard requirements. On the other hand, the district does NOT offer “advanced placement (AP)” courses (classes nationally recognized as the highest standard of excellence); teachers report that they fear students would be unable to pass the AP exams.
An overall graduation rate of 94%, as reported by Waubun Schools, is considered excellent on any measure; but is especially magnified considering that the national drop-out rate for American Indian students has historically been greater than 40%. This discrepancy caused a number of Forest Township residents to begin to ask questions about how the drop-out rate was calculated in the Waubun Schools. A day of interviewing 18 to 21 year olds in Elbow Lake Village found no graduates from Waubun Schools. All of the students interviewed had dropped out of the Waubun Schools. With this conflicting data, it was discovered that students ages 16 and older who are having difficulty and are at risk of dropping out are transferred to the Waubun Area Learning Program (ALP) and consequently recorded as a transfer student…and then not included in the graduation rate percentage. The ALP is a state funded program for at-risk students. Students are able to be counted as full-time students with the district collecting state and federal aid, but yet they never graduate from high school. Hence our discovery in Elbow Lake Village of students who had never graduated from high school but were never counted as drop-outs from Waubun High School
The complexities of the Waubun District are numerous and further complicated by a sense of intimidation or worry that our concerns would be viewed as racist or discriminatory toward the American Indian student population. However, the primary concern of Forest Township taxpayers is, in fact, that the Waubun School District’s priority be a quality education for all students. If you have concerns and want to become more involved, contact Roger Olsen (573-3081), Ray Vlasak (573-3243), Tim Holzkamm (573-3442), Chuck Church (573-2209), or John Backes (573-3626).
WELL WATER TESTING
By Gary Narum
In Minnesota, homeowners are responsible for assuring that their well water is safe for consumption. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that “At a minimum, private wells should be tested for coliform bacteria once a year and for nitrate every two to three years.” Such testing should be conducted by a state certified water testing laboratory. Becker County has one “contract lab” for private well testing: RMB Environmental Laboratories
22796 County Highway 6, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218-846-1465
Your water has to arrive at the lab in a sterile container. RMB prefers that you use one of theirs. Simply stop in to pick one up or call the laboratory, and they will send you a container along with the necessary instructions for collecting the sample. The charge for testing for both coliform bacteria and nitrate is $30.
The Minnesota Department of Health has published a “WELL OWNER’S HANDBOOK: A Consumer’s Guide to Water Wells” on its website. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/construction/handbook.pdf
This handbook is helpful to anyone constructing or maintaining a well.
A second website http://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/watertesting/default.htm also addresses “drinking water testing.” This website is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
THE LAKE VIEW
We live on a very unique, beautiful lake. Many have said Bad Medicine has the look of a Boundary Waters lake. Our lake is surrounded by over 125 homes, most of which are barely visible from the lake center, nestled back in the trees with siding, trim and roofs done in subdued earth tones. Many have lost some of their “vegetation barrier” due to high water and it is gratifying to see efforts to restore shoreline greenery and to keep shoreline as natural as possible. We will always have docks and lifts on the shoreline but even these can be toned down by having lift canopies in gray or dark green instead of bright colors, same goes for lakeshore furniture. It’s completely up to us as lake residents to maintain and improve the natural shoreline of our lake, remembering why we were attracted to Bad Medicine Lake in the first place.
Our aesthetic motto: “Blend in – Don’t stick out”
MSRPO - MINNESOTA SEASONAL RECREATIONAL PROPERTY OWNER’S COALITION
MSRPO is a Cabin Owner’s Coalition that seeks property tax fairness and equity at the State Capitol for families that own cabins, lakeshore, hunting shacks and seasonal property in Minnesota. Their activities are focused on educating legislators, the general public and cabin owners on the negative impacts of Minnesota’s antiquated property tax system. Without MSRPO the average cabin owner would be paying at least 40% more in property taxes. Membership is not conditioned on any level of dollar contribution but on any amount you contribute. Membership information at www.msrpo.org or 952-854-1317
WHEN MSRPO STARTED IN 1993:
The tax rate on seasonal property was 2% of the value on the first tier and 2.25% on the second tier of value
The first tier was set at $72,000. Second tier was any value over $72,000
In 1995, the Minnesota Taxpayer’s Association reported that taxes on recreational property were higher in Minnesota than any other state.
The effective tax rate (net tax divided by property value) was close to 2%.
There were no incentive programs for land stewardship
Assessment practices varied widely from one area of the state to the next.
TODAY AS A RESULT OF THE WORK MSRPO MEMBERS HAVE DONE TOGETHER:
The tax rate on seasonal property is 1% of the value for the first tier and 1.25% on the second tier.
The first tier has been raised to $500,000.
The Minnesota Taxpayer’s Association no longer ranks seasonal separately.
The effective tax rate on seasonal was 1% in 2005.
The Sustainable Forest Initiative provides a minimum of $1.50 refund for every acre an owner has enrolled in a timber management plan.
The legislature has established a committee to review and standardize assessment practices statewide.
THE GUDMUNDSON/STADEM ICE-OFF CONTEST
By Jane Gudmundson
An idle thought spawned one long winter night in the early 1990’s has grown into a tradition for two Bad Medicine Lake families who live on the opposite sides of the lake. Paul, DeeDee, Nick and Erica Stadem compete against Wayne, Jane and Liv Gudmundson in predicting when the ice will go off the lake each spring. The person who comes the closest to predicting the actual date is crowned “Ice King/Queen” for the year, has their name inscribed on an official plaque and is ceremoniously crowned at a banquet where food of their choosing is prepared at the home of the other family. Circumstances surrounding the first “Ice King”, Wayne Gudmundson, (who was seen in a canoe breaking up ice), led to the necessity of designating an impartial judge to declare “ice off”, which was agreed upon as a straight line of sight between the Gudmundson cabin and the Holzkamm cabin. Tim Holzkamm has graciously served in the role of judge ever since. This year the Ice Queen is DeeDee Stadem. She was crowned, sitting in the Adironski throne by the Gudmundson’s adopted daughter, Mary Buckley, the out-going Ice Queen. DeeDee’s crown was created by Erica and Liv and constructed from cardboard, artificial daisies, real pineapple leaves and duct tape.
Footnote: This is the 13th year of the ice off festivities. The longest reigning monarch is definitely DeeDee and the only two loyal subjects who have never risen to the ranks of royalty are Erica and Jane.
FYI Average ice-out date since 1995 is April 21.Range extremes from April 12 to May 9.
Editor: Rose Andersen, Editorial Committee: Don Andersen, Mardy Dovre, Jane Gudmundson, Harvey Johnson, Ed Klepprich, Jim and Linda Luttrell, Gary Narum and Judy Rooney
Bad Medicine Lake Area Association
Jim Luttrell
39124 Horseshoe Road
Ponsford, MN 56575