Letter of apology to the citizens of Lester Prairie

From: Andy Heimerl, Mayor of Lester Prairie
As mayor of Lester Prairie, I would like to apologize for my error in judgment during the Prairie Day’s parade July 16, 2011.
I would like to apologize to the people in attendance who witnessed the action of me throwing three cans of beer to my friends and family, who were seated in the crowd that lined the parade route on the corners of Central Avenue and Elm Street. I regret my actions. Certainly this type of behavior is unacceptable for anyone to demonstrate, but it was particularly unacceptable for me, since I was representing our fine city of Lester Prairie as its mayor.
I also owe an apology to all of our community members, even those who were not present. My actions have brought negative attention to our city and I am sorry for that. Not only did I endanger people that were sitting at that location, but I opened the city up to potential financial liability.
I would like to apologize to the Lester Prairie Police Department, not only for redirecting their efforts from other important duties that night, but also for putting them in the uncomfortable situation of dealing with a city leader, someone that should be held to a higher standard.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to apologize to my brother, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family members and friends that were present. This incident did not live up to the standards that I have set for myself. It definitely fell short of the type of behavior I want my three boys to strive towards.
While I certainly intended no harm to anybody, I understand that the act of throwing full cans of beer to my family and friends was an unreasonable act. I ask for forgiveness and can assure you that as mayor of Lester Prairie you will not witness a repeat of such behavior.

Who’s watching out for the kids?

From: Margaret Jordan
Howard Lake
An article in the Nov. 21 Star Tribune prompts this reflection.
Growing up on the farm, I knew our farm tom-cat wouldn’t hurt baby kittens. It was the outsider, who would sneak in if tom-cat wasn’t around and kill the babies, hoping he could soon impregnate the grieving mom-cat.
Once again we read of a boyfriend killing a baby – a boyfriend babysitting while mom works. Where is baby’s dad? Boyfriend, absent dad, and poor excuse for a mother could all take a lesson from nature. Mothers protect your babies. Dads be more than sperm-donor; protect your little ones.
I write this with sorrow for what has happened to our society.

School improvements make sense

From: Jen Thiry
Lester Prairie
I have attended four of Mr. McNulty’s Lester Prairie school referendum informational sessions. The four I went to were not well attended by residents of the district.
I wanted to make sure I knew why this referendum was being asked for.
There is a misunderstanding as to how the proposed commons area is to be used.
The primary purpose for the commons area is to be the school’s cafeteria. The size of the current cafeteria will be expanded into the old FCS room, which is currently just used for the after-school program (and no longer used for home economics, a class that is not required by the state and has also been dropped by other area schools. This will put this space to much better use.
The current cafeteria has a limited seating capacity, which requires that there be four lunch sessions. There are groups of kids who eat lunch very early, and some who eat lunch over 4 hours after starting school, so even longer since breakfast.
The high school day goes from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The elementary school day from 8:20 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
The first elementary lunch session is from 10:55 to 11:20 a.m.
The junior high lunch is from 11:51 a.m. to 12:17 p.m.
The second elementary lunch session is from 12:17 to 12:42 p.m.
The high school eats from 12:46 to 1:12 p.m.
With the expanded cafeteria (commons), the plan is to be able to reduce the lunch periods from four to two. This will allow kids to eat lunch at more reasonable times. This area will be filled with cafeteria tables, not couches as alluded to in a previous letter to the editor.
This shared cafeteria/commons area will also be the new entrance into the gymnasium and the new location for the concession stand.
If you attend school events, you know how cramped the current entrance is, with ticket sale and concession stand lines often “colliding” and very little extra room for people to stand.
The plan for this area is also flexible, so either part of the current gym stage will be maintained or this commons/cafeteria space will have an elevated area that can be used for performances/plays.
This cafeteria/commons space will be available for groups to use, as the current one is, but that is not its primary purpose for being redone.
Do not believe the gossip, and make sure you do your own homework and have all the information you need to make an informed vote.

What are the real facts?

From: David and Arla Huser
Lester Prairie
Wow! After reading the Herald Journal last week on the breakdown of the costs for each area of this proposed referendum, we should all be voting no.
We, in fact, are not voting for $5,200,000, because now the total package has reached $7,795,000. We were told at a community meeting at Central Cafe that this $1,910,000 would be used only if the referendum failed, not “plus” a voter approved referendum.
We would have almost $2 million to use if needed, so why not use this to upgrade the boiler, the kitchen and ventilating the science lab? Who does the school board think is going to fund the extra $2 million?
You guessed it! We are! The taxpayers! Is this on the tax calculator on the school website? No.
The wool is being pulled over our eyes. All we have been hearing is, “This is for our children, our community.” We read about how great our school is and then we read on page 6A of last week’s Herald Journal about teens and sexting in our community. What about the bullying going on in our school? Sports seems to be more important.
We feel before we approve this huge amount, the school board needs to address some real issues going on in our school, not concentrate on spending our money. We need $2,137,974 for upgrading the kitchen/commons area? We could hire a food service for less than that. The school board fired the janitors and hired a professional cleaning service. Why not fire the cooks, too, and create even less job opportunities in our town?
We have been accused of not knowing the facts. The truth is, we have not been given all the facts. One week before the election we are told our school plans to spend over $5 million, but in fact they will be spending closer to $8 million if this passes.
Get out and vote no Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the high school.

Where there is a will, there is a way

From: Shirley Dibb
Lester Prairie
Writing a letter to the editor is rather unusual for me. When things bother me, I ask my Lord for advice. This morning, I woke up with a feeling in my heart to write a letter, but to write with “kindness,” and that is not always easy. Then, I remembered the words of my mother: “always speak kind words to someone who speaks bitterly.” Good advice, but show me, Lord. He did. Right there in the Good Book, Proverbs 15, v 1. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
So many questions were asked in the “vote no” letters, that I must ask, did you read Mr. McNulty’s articles in the paper? Did you attend one of his many presentations? Did you take the tour he led the other night that was open to the public? These questions were addressed there.
Granted, your questions are important. Ask Mr McNulty or the board and you will receive an answer. They answered mine. In asking, how was your approach or attitude, kind or bitter?
I remember in the ‘60s when the state was going to close our school because it was inadequate. A core group of parents met at our home, we walked to the school and interrupted a school board meeting. We inquired what was wrong and what could we do?
One of the wealthiest men in town was angered because his taxes were going to be too high. I answered his rebuttal by telling him that Wally and I were ready to give up the little we had, so our children could graduate from this school, as we had. The end result was the school we have today and we, as parents, lived without and were happy.
So now, I thought “what can I live without today?” I am alone now and I have two TVs. I can only watch one, so I called my TV carrier and asked “what can I do to lower my account?” I was able to remove all the extras from the one I rarely watch and I cut three features from my active TV. (just don’t take my Twins’ station, the Big Ten, Channel 11-1, weather and music) I ended up by saving $39 a month.
I got rid of my cell phone and its contract and bought a Trac phone, which costs approximately $7 a month.
I have saved enough for the extra taxes that I will have to pay. As the saying goes, “those that have more will have to give more including taxes.”
One comment really bothered me and it was, ”do the students really need a bright, nice, fancy commons with cozy couches. Is this necessary?” Yes, it is.
Granted, the concern for our children is the testing, enrollment, and academic leadership etc. They also need to feel proud of the enviroment around them. It gives them a feeling of self-esteem and happiness. Just like you do with your homes. Doesn’t a fresh coat of paint on your walls or a new cozy couch make you feel good?
Yes, what you say about the problems of budgets and economy is frightening, but what have you given up?
Gas is up. Do you drive less? Food is up. Do you eat less?
The main fact is this; our school is old and needs remodeling and we need it now. It will cost more two years from now. State requirements must be met, and this new design will meet the needs of repair and classroom necessities.
In closing, may I ask all the “no” people to do this. Tonight, before you do your evening devotions, read Ivan Raconteur’s article found opposite the letters on page 16A in the Oct. 24 edition of Herald Journal, “Beware of POD people.”
It carries a great message for every one of us. Oh yes, be sure to read Proverbs chapter 15, verse 1, and if you have time read verse 4 also. May you wake up tomorrow morning with a happy heart and thank God for all the blessings He has given us and our children.
Let us all show more “kindness to one another.”
I am voting “yes.”

Democracy means every vote counts

From: Robert “Bob” Carlson
Lester Prairie
I want to applaud everyone for their interest over the upcoming school referendum. I would like to make it very clear that the school board has done a lot of research and has been very “prudent” with the current remodeling proposal of the school.
Energy Services Group was asked to assist the school in order to find ways to save money by cutting utilities expenses and provide a better environment for students and staff. The current remodeling project was scaled back because of the concerns with cost.
The definition of prudent is, to be cautious in managing one’s activities and/ or practical and careful in providing for the future. The school board has taken a lot of time to look over the plans and specifications and has been careful with not asking for any more than what is needed.
School board members were elected to make decisions for the majority and, when necessary, to ask the voters of the district for approval to spend money. I don’t want my property taxes to go up either, but that is why the school board is asking voters of this district for permission to proceed.
Democracy is defined as a form of government in which all the people have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development, and passage of legislation into law.
The school board is asking for your vote “yes” or “no” to remodel the school to make it a better academic and energy-efficient environment for students and staff. We want your vote Tuesday Nov. 8.

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