Peace Out!

My perspective on journalism has been completely changed. I took the class as just a general class to fill a hole in my schedule. I never in my life thought that this class would be as intense as it was. It is not for someone looking for an easy grade. I have also realized that I put way too much opinion into stories. So from here on out I will not be majoring in anything that is related to writing stories or anything to do with journalism.

Adam Baker, 31, of Dayton, Ohio, was found outside of the Corner Bar at Main Street and Cental Avenue. He was unconscious and taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Police arrested two male suspects from St. Michael; a 23-year-old and a 24-year-old both on suspicion of assault and aiding in the assault. If Baker dies the two men will face larger charges.


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Story 9

When looking at a passing person in the hallway, or glancing at the girl sitting next to you in class, have you ever thought about what their story is? Or how they got to where they’re at today? That’s how I fell upon Nicole Roddy; Nikki is what she goes by.

I met Nikki in my volleyball class this last semester; she seemed to be like any other student in the class, eager to be there and was having fun. We had gotten paired up to be on a team together, so when there was down time we would chat about what was going on for the day, week, or even weekend. The more that we got paired to be on teams together; the more we got to know about each other’s lives and families. Shocking enough, the stories she would tell me, I couldn’t believe it, it didn’t seem to me that Nikki would’ve had a life like she has.

Like most kids in this generation, her parents divorced after 12 years of marriage. She lived in Isanti until she was about eight and then moved to Cable Wisconsin with her mom and sister. Her mom quickly remarried after she had moved them to Wis. She would come to Minnesota on the weekends to visit her dad. Her dad Kevin later got remarried and then took on a new wife and two children Jeremy and Bridget. With the years to follow living with her mom, there were no rules or guidelines to follow. Nikki had gotten into mischief like any other teenager, but in between parties and having fun, she also found out that she was pregnant at the young age of 15.
Ethan James would be born to Nikki and Jordan on February 14, 2000. At this time Nikki was 16 when Ethan was born. She attended school regularly and even graduated with honors with her high school class in 2002. While Nikki raised Ethan throughout high school, Jordan was 19 and didn’t do much for help. He was in and out of jail and an all around bad influence to Nikki and Ethan. After graduating from high school in Wisconsin, Nikki then came to Minnesota to live with her dad, stepmom and younger step sister.

After arriving back to Isanti, she took a few general classes at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) while taking care of Ethan. She also did many other activities that involved hanging out with a few old friends in town and she also helped out family to pass sometime while looking for her next step in life.

On March 7, 2003, while working at a Ducks Unlimited banquet selling tickets, Nikki, 19, met Kyle and it was all downhill from there. Nikki and Kyle dated for awhile, she got to know his family and Kyle got to know Ethan and her family as well. It wasn’t more than a year later did he purpose on Easter Sunday right before church. Nikki was opening up an Easter basket and in the basket was wooden box that held the diamond engagement ring. She was so surprised she was literally speechless.

On May 21, 2005 Nikki got a husband and Ethan got a dad. Not long after being married, Kyle legally adopted Ethan. “It was a blessing to have Kyle as a dad for Ethan; it’s the right stability that we all needed in our lives at that time.” Nikki said. But not too long after Nikki and Kyle had settled down with Ethan did they get a surprise of their very own. Owen Patrick was born on September 15, 2006. He was Kyle’s first biological child and was an all around new experience with a newborn for Kyle.

As their family grew, their house needed to grow too. So they moved from their two bedroom rambler to a beautiful house that they built. But little did they know that when they built the house bigger, that they were building a bigger family as well. Kellen J was born on November 18, 2008. With juggling a bigger house and a bigger family, Nikki went from working part time at Target to being a stay at home mom, to a teacher’s assistant at the Oak Land Alternative Learning Center and is also the summer trap manager and book keeper at the Isanti County Sportsman Club.


Nikki is almost done now with her credits at ARCC and plans on attending St. Cloud State University where she will work towards a Bachelors of Science degree in social work. Although it has been tough to raise a family and go to school, Nikki had to put time apart to better herself. Nikki said “I needed to go to college, it was the only way I could better my family.” With determination and hard work she has achieved a part of her schooling goal and has great expectations for the future.

'Why God? Why?' 6 Killed near Cambridge

6 killed near Cambridge on Sunday morning around 2:40 a.m. Five young adults ranging in ages from 14-21 were in one car, that smelled of alcohol, headed west on Hwy 95. The sole survivor was the 16-year-old driver, Sebrina Schumacher. The other car, headed East on Hwy 95, involved two passengers who were so badly burned that it took awhile to identify their bodies.



Photo above: The 1998 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Schumacher
Photo courtesy: Minnesota State Patrol

http://www.startribune.com/local/north/92041709.html?page=1&c=y

Story 8

As the spring semester is starting to wrap up, a poll was given to 19 students who answered questions on how well they like Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). Some of the questions involved whether they have ventured to the Coon Rapids campus, if they have taken any online classes; which do they prefer between in-class or online, if they have ever attended any campus events, and whether the staff was helpful in their college experience at ARCC. By unraveling the poll results, it was amazing to see how these students responded.

Going to ARCC isn’t all about just attending classes. There are steps you have to take before you can start your journey as a college student. The staff/faculty can help either make or break a decision on which college a student chooses to attend. If the staff isn’t helpful with guiding you, or answering questions you might have, you might think twice to attend that specific school. But out of the 19 students polled, 18 have had great experience with the staff. Whether it was a question that they needed answered or if they needed help in guiding them to which classes to attend. The students were all-around satisfied with the commitment that the staff and faculty has towards their students at ARCC. Michelle Husom, 25, stated, “They have helped me with figuring out my classes.” While on the other hand, Megan Thompson, 19, was not as pleased by saying “I am having a hard time with my FASFA going through.”

At ARCC, the college is dedicated to low tuition and great flexibility to having two campuses to choose from. While out of the 19 people surveyed, 12 have never been to the Coon Rapids campus to whereas 7 have. “It’s close to home.” Rebecca Strohkirch, 25, stated about picking the location of what college that she wanted to attend.

With more colleges, including ARCC, becoming more online-oriented, another question that was asked, was have you ever tried an online class, and if yes, do you prefer online or in-class learning better? Amazingly 8 out of the 19 have tried at least one online class, but 7 out of the 8 preferred an in-class learning environment instead of the online structure. That goes to question why don’t more people like the online courses compared to the in-class teachings? While a lot of the classes have became online or web-enhanced in the last few years.

While attending college, some of students are involved in extracurricular activities on campus. Whether it is the math league or a social committee, there is always an event to plan or to attend. If you take a look in the ARCC school calendar or even the schools newspaper, you will find many things to do or attend. But as the polls were added up, a shocking surprise was that no one had attended an ARCC event. “The only event I plan to attend is the graduation ceremony.” Glenda Rittenour, 27, said after reading the question given. So why haven’t any of the students polled not going to any type ARCC events? Do they not know about them? Or do they simply not care about things going on outside of their classes? Maybe if there were more of an incentive to join a group or maybe just something as simple as knowing when a specific event is going to happen would get these students to an ARCC event.

With the questions given, and the polls answered, it was a shock to see the results. The wide range of questions given gave a broader spectrum on what ARCC students do for their class types and how they feel about different things, like the staff. It is pretty amazing that no one has attended a school event, but hopefully the school can reach out to the different students to interest them into an event or program, or maybe venturing to the Coon Rapids campus or even to an online class that might help them.

Autopsy: Man killed by police in Woodbury

Following a domestic dispute at the home of Timothy S. Hanson, 55, of Woodbury, Sgt. Omar Maklad, 27, responded to the residence. As the two exchanged gunfire, Hanson had been fatally shot, while Maklad was shot but didn't have any non-life threatening injuries. As the autopsy stated, Hanson did not shoot himself, but that Maklad shot him twice in the chest.


http://www.startribune.com/local/east/91640569.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUI

Story 7

Who would’ve thought that with the country in a recession that more people would flock to school rather than search for a new job? While taking a poll on 22 students ranging from 21 to 50, the outcome was surprising on the reasoning why they are in school and how they have came to fund their education as well.

From research found on the Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) website, it has been stated that it has the lowest-cost tuition of any college or university in the state. With that being said with the poll that was produced, it was surprising to see that 8 out of 22 students polled, paid all or some out of pocket to take college classes at ARCC. While 11 out of the 22 qualified to get some type of state or federal funded grants, most of these people have lost their jobs or have part-time jobs to support themselves and their families. While student loans were still needed with having 10 out of 22 students taking out personal loans to pay for all or part of their education at ARCC.

As times are hard and getting a job is even harder, school was the last straw for some of these students. The minimum qualifications for the easiest jobs are getting more and more competitive. So for a lot of people who want some type of career advancement or career change, ARCC was the best choice for them. It doesn’t hurt that you get half off of your tuition when you are out of a job.

Girl flees attempted abduction, Minneapolis police say

As Monday evening rolled around, an 11-year old girl was walking home from school when a man in a shiny black pickup truck stopped her. As the two got closer to eachother, the man had his door partialy opened and grabbed her arm. She screamed and punched him as she freed herself. She also reported seeing that same vehicle a few weeks past driving by as well.

http://www.startribune.com/local/90767464.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF

Theory of a Deadman to be a ROCKLAHOMA!

Theory of a Deadman

ROCKLAHOMA 2010
Pryor, OK
May 28, 29, and 30
http://www.theoryofadeadman.com/board_posts/rocklahoma-2010

Contact:

http://www.theoryofadeadman.com
http://www.rocklahoma.com/tickets.html



Who would’ve thought that seven years in the making would bring the band Theory of a Deadman out of Vancouver and onto the stages across the world? While out promoting their latest CD Scars and Souvenirs, the band will be making it to Pryor, Oklahoma to perform at ROCKLAHOMA May 28, 29, and 30. Along with Theory, other bands in the lineup include: ZZ Top, Godsmack, Tesla, Buckcherry, Cinderella, Chevelle, Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Saliva, Sevendust, Fuel ft. Brett Scallians, Saving Abel, Adelita’s Way, Janus Aranda, The Veer Union, Burn Halo, Richy Nix, Shaman’s Harvest, Lacuna, Coil Taddy Porter, Like A Storm, Taking Dawn, New Medicine, Year Long Disaster, Gypsy, Pistoleros, Nigel Dupree Band, Brookroyal, Within Reason, The Last Vegas, Wildstreet, Firstryke , Krank, The GlitterBoys O'Dette, Problem Child, Black Tora, Mad Max, Bad Things and a very special guest to be announced soon!

With much anticipation and with such a great lineup, Theory will be one of the main events of the weekend long event. They have a lot to stand up against with ZZ Top, Godsmack, and many more performing before them, but this band has a lot to offer and has never disappointed a crowd. To really experience the band is to see them live. Don’t miss out on the chance.
***

Como Zoo polar bears break in new digs

Polar bear brothers Neil and Buzz are back in St. Paul after a two year stay in Detroit. Their $15 million Polar Bear Odyssey exhibit has been recently finished and will open up to the public on June 3. The 14-year-old bears are taking some time to get used to their new digs before guests arrive.



http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/89962262.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUl

Enterprise Story

I have chosen to write about how students fund their college education. So far from talking to fellow Anoka-Ramsey students, it has been a mix bag on how people are coming up with the money. I find it interesting with all of the different scholarships, loans, parents, grandparents, G.I. bills and etc. that are available. So if anyone has any cool stories or interesting ways college that their college was funded, let me know! I would love to hear it!

Moorhead homeowners can remove sandbag dikes

In Moorhead Minnesota, the city engineer has authorized that people can now take down sandbags. The Red River crested on March 21, by this Monday the river dropped to just over 31 feet. Sandbags can be put on the street where city crews will pick them up. Bag removal assistance will be discussed at the next council meeting.


http://www.startribune.com/local/89475427.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUl

Story 6

Who would imagine that right when you thought you were going to be a pediatrician you end up being a career advisor? Maria Barlage started thinking that she was set out to be a doctor, but after much thought and consideration, realized that it wasn’t a fit for her.

Maria Barlage grew up in a small town 20 miles north of Alexandria, Minn. called Parkers Prairie. She started out in Fergus Falls at the local school, Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Where she took a few classes and realized that she needed to get to a larger school to pursue her study to be a pediatrician. Barlage then headed to the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD); where she started her path to a doctorates degree. After taking many classes related to the in depth science programs related to her career path, Barlage decided that medicine wasn’t the path for her.

While she finished up her four year degree at UMD, Barlage realized that she wanted to be in a career that allowed her to be around people. Sitting in a cubicle wasn’t what she wanted. She knew she destined to help people. So after many fun and different ideas, such as an interior designer and with being such a free spirit, it was hard to nail down one career idea right away. But after a lot of consideration, so after going to a few job fairs, talking to different people, and even being at UMD, Barlage wanted to be a counselor. Although helping people with personal problems and different issues like that, it seemed a bit overwhelming for her, so after awhile, Barlage realized that being a career counselor would be a better fit for her personality and lifestyle. She then finished out her graduates degree at the UMD knowing what she wanted to do.

After being with her husband, Barlage ended up settling down in Princeton Minn. where her husband works in Rogers and where she works in Cambridge at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). Living in Princeton works out well for Barlage and her husband since it’s a nice close commute to both of their jobs. Barlage also has two beautiful daughters Madelyn, 6 and Mariana, 8 months.

Barlage has been at ARCC for the last 10 years and has loved every minute of it. “I like the creativity and all of the different career ideas of the students that I get to work with.” Barlage said after asking her on what was one of the things that keeps her interested in her job. Even after being a career advisor for 10 years, the different career goals and ideas change with every student. “It makes me want go out and try all of these different careers that I hear about!” So with many years of advising careers ahead of Maria Barlage, she can dream about all of the different things that she too might want to do in her lifetime, along with guiding the minds of young and old to their career destinations as well.

Former Florida inmate gets 15 years in prison for trying to break back onto jail

25-year-old Sylvester Jiles was sentenced to 15 years in prison after trying to break into the Brevard County Jail, which violated his probation. Jiles was trialed in January for trespassing on property of the jail and resisting an officer. His reasoning for wanting to be back in jail, was the retaliation of the victims family that he accepted a manslaughter plea bargain against.

http://www.startribune.com/nation/88896947.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsA

Tournament Tuesdays

With every other Tuesday comes a new tournament at the Anoka Ramsey College, Coon Rapids campus. This week’s tournament selection was Big Buck Hunter. It might sound silly to have tournament games on campus, but to the students, who like these games, it gives them something to do that is different from being in a classroom, along with meeting other students that you wouldn’t have already have met.

For these fun filled tournament Tuesdays, the ARCC student government plans out each event accordingly, along with taking suggestions for new games to play. For the Big Buck Hunter game, the tournament went from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon at the courtyard commons.

While watching Amanda Ramseth and her friend play the game, I had asked her if she is pretty familiar with the rules of Big Buck Hunter. “Yes, I’ve played a lot before, but I have mostly played the newer version of it that’s a little bit different and a little harder to play.” As Amanda finished her turn, she realized that she was in the number one position for the game, “Whooo hoo I’m number one! But I am only the fourth person to play so far, so anything’s in the air.” Amanda said to her friend that was with her. Amanda’s friend went next, but her surprise she finished in fourth place so she didn’t even fill out the tournament form since they only give out one prize to the number one winner.

There weren’t a lot of rules that were involved in participating in the tournament. They were more like guidelines so that it was more organized to find a winner of the game. Some of the guidelines were that if you wanted to be entered to win a prize, you had to fill out the form that consisted of writing down your first and last name, your telephone number, and your initials that you used in the game. You also can only play the game once. The game rules were a little more in depth though. To be eligible for the tournament, everyone had to go to the same region (on the games map) to play. If you choose a different part of the map, you were disqualified for not following the rules. Another thing you strive for in the game is to only shoot the bucks, if you shoot them when they are farther away then you get a higher score, or if they are a bigger buck, you can also get more points for that as well. If you shoot a Doe (female deer without antlers) your turn is done. But pending on how high your score is after you’re done with a round, you might be eligible to do a different bonus game that consists of shooting boars or other types of animals.

With the ARCC student government putting together the tournaments a few Tuesdays a month, the prize always changes, and you never know what it is until they call you to tell you that you’ve won. So with a little bit of intrigue, students try their luck at different games that goon for many fun reasons. Whether it’s a game that they’re really good at or something they’ve always wanted to try. So all students are encouraged to try out their hand at luck and give a game a shot.

1 dead in charter bus crash near Detroit Lakes

25-year-old Tabitha Janssen drove a 2007 Ford Escape, when she was struck crossing Highway 10, west of Detroit Lakes, by a charter bus heading eastbound, as the State Patrol reported. It all happened around 11 p.m. Friday, reported by The Daily Journal of Fergus Falls. There were 15 people total on the bus, who were all fine. Janssen died at the scene.

Bryant Billehus

As a young child, Bryant Billehus couldn’t get away from the game of golf even if he tried. Both his dad, who bought him his first set of clubs and grandpa, who took him out on many weekends to many different driving ranges, influenced him at the young age of eight, to get out onto the greens to challenge himself to figure out how to master the game that few have.

Growing up around golf, Bryant watched pro golfer Tom Lehman a lot. Bryant had a few comments about one of his golf idols: “He grew up in Alexandria, MN where my family and I have a cabin. He is a very nice guy. He isn't cocky about his game at all.”

While in high school, Bryant and his family would go on a winter vacation, before the high school golf season started, to practice on different golf courses to warm up for the upcoming season. Bryant also had to go to Hawaii for a “golf” trip, “We did a little more than golf lol.” Bryant said.

Even though Bryant has been to more golf courses than some, he believes that he has had a short golfing career so far. He will just have to keep trucking along in his golf apparel consisting of polo shirts and dress pants to practice until he is out on the greens sharing a game with Tiger Woods or one of his favorites Tom Lehman.

1. How long have you played golf?

I have been playing golf since I was eight years old.

2. Did anyone influence you to play the game?

My dad has always been a big fan of golf so he wanted to start me off somewhat young. He bought me my first set of clubs. My grandpa was also a big contributor in my fondness of the sport. He took me to the driving range many weekends.

3. Does your family play?

Most of my family does; my sister is the only one who hasn't golfed. As you know my dad loves the game, my mom also enjoys the game but is more of just a casual golfer. She only gets out ten or so times a year.

4. Do you have a lot of friends that play?

I don't have many close friends that play. I made a lot of friends while playing on the golf team in high school.

5. Have you traveled to different states to play on different courses?

I have traveled to many different states to play golf. Almost any where my family goes; we typically take our clubs with and try to play a round or two. I have seen many different courses in my short golf career. I hope to see a lot more.

6. How about vacations, have you ever went on a vacation just to play golf

Before golf season for high school every year, my mom, dad, and, I would travel somewhere south where there wasn't snow on the ground and it was warm enough to play. Golf courses around Minnesota don't open till late spring so it wasn't possible to really work on my game. We also took a "golf" trip to Hawaii. (We did a little more than golf lol)

7. Did you grow up around golf (ex. Tiger Woods?!)

I kind of grew up around golf. Tiger didn't come on the scene until I was about 12. But he has been one of my idols ever since. I grew up watching Tom Lehman. He grew up in Alexandria, MN where my family and I have a cabin. He is a very nice guy. He isn't cocky about his game at all.

8. What do you need to bring/wear when playing golf?

Your attire depends on how nice of a course you are playing. At a lower end course, you can wear jeans, shorts, and dress pants with any type of shirt. The pro's have to wear nice dress pants with a polo shirt of a nice dress shirt. Golf shoes are also required. You also need to bring your clubs with you.

Man dies jumping off Mall of America parking ramp

The Bloomington Police got a call on Monday at 3:45 p.m. about an erratic driver who was in a hit and run crash. After getting information, cops followed the driver to the MOA parking ramp, where the unidentified man drove through a barricade to the seventh level. He then got out of his vehicle and jumped off the side, he landed below on the surface lot. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died.



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Michele Schipper went to the local convenience store on Bonneville Drive, it was around 4 in the afternoon and no one else was around. It looked like a ghost town. A man waited behind the dumpsters for Schipper to get out of the vehicle. “Give me your purse.” The man said as he approached her car. “OK.” Schipper said as she turned around and kicked the suspect in the groin area. As he was on his way to the ground, Schipper caught him with a roundhouse to the nose. As she heard a crunching noise coming from his nose, and blood squirting everywhere, she knew she had enough time to get away in her car. She called the cops from the motel parking lot just down the road.

As the cops asked many questions on the description of the suspect, all Schipper could distinguish of the robber was that: he was male, around 6 feet tall, and that he couldn’t take a punch from a girl. There weren’t any witnesses around to help describe him either. Since the whole scenario only lasted a few minutes, Schipper didn’t have a lot of description for the police. As her adrenaline was pumping she felt that the robbery only lasted a second, but shook for an hour afterwards. It was instincts of self defense that kept this girl alive.

71-pound pet dog bites, kills newborn in Independence

The 71-pound Siberian husky, who is called Dealer, jumped on the bed where the 11 day old baby boy of Laura Dvorak, 33 and Daniel Hocker, 48, of Independence, was in his car seat. Authorities said on Friday, that the dog bit the baby in head . After 40 minutes of resuscitation, the baby was pronounced dead. Dealer will be put down in about 10 days and the boys parents have been arrested until further notice.

http://startribune.com/local/west/84785607.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

Obituary

Brittany Corrine Isle, 89, of Isanti Minnesota, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning surrounded by her husband and children. She had many accomplishments in life but loved her family first and foremost.

Brittany was born in a small town in Germany called Bremerhaven on Sept. 15th 1986, while her family was stationed over there for military purposes. Then traveled with her parents Brian and Joleen, along with her older brother Jeremy to Cambridge Minn. where she went to Kindegarten. By that time her parents had gotten a divorce and Brittany, Jeremy and Joleen moved to Isanti when her mom remarried to her step dad Kevin. She then gained two sisters, Heidi and Nicole.

Years later, Brittany met Ian and after only dating for a year and a half, they had their first child Layla on July 14th 2010. They later got married on Aug. 13th 2011. After settling in married life and raising Layla, they adopted their son Jett, who was born on Oct. 26th 2013. Growing up and living in the Isanti county area, Brittany became a well-known stylist to many of those in town. If anyone ever had a specail occasion or hair emergency, you knew that she would be there to help fix the mess. After years of doing hair, Brittany met many wonderful people and touched so many lives.

Brittany is survived by her husband Ian, children Layla and Jett and many grandchildren and friends. Memorial service will be held from 3p.m. till 8 p.m. at the Carlson-Labatte Funeral home in Cambridge, Minn.

Search continues on river for missing student

Craig Meyers was only 21 when he went missing on early Sunday morning. Security cameras have to what they expect, Meyers walking alone in the downtown area shortly before he disappeared. Searchers resume drilling holes to put cameras down to check in the water. The hunt continues for the missing college student.

Story 2

Heated discussions occurred at this Thursdays Isanti County commissioners meeting. As Sheriff Gus Dicesari requests money for his department, his requests are turned down with a 2-5 vote by fellow commissioners.

Dicesari argues many good points to why his department needs the $580,00 to run properly. But Commission President Anne Chenn, along with the other commissioners thinks that the sheriff's department can do without this year. Dicesari would like to eight new cruisers along with five additional deputies.

With growing crime in the streets, the deputies can't keep up with it all. With over 150,ooo miles on each vehicle, the cruisers spend more time in the shops than on the road. It is becoming too costly to keep the old ones running. But Chenn begs to differ; she suggests that the deputies leave the vehicles at the station to keep from the wear and tear on the vehicles. But not knowing, parking the cars at each deputy's house keeps the crime levels down in the neighborhoods.

Among many false accusations made by Dicesari, many of which accusing the immigrants of the higher crime population, lower job percentage, bad schooling and health care system. Although very passionate about his topics, it didn't get him far into the meeting when trying to win his budget case. He didn't get the money and raised eyebrows on the topics that he brought up.

Chenn and fellow commissioners not only listened to Dicesari's case, but also backed up their own reasoning to why out of $127 million budget, that his department couldn't be spared the $580,000.

Chenn backed up the immigrants, saying that they are hard working people that take care of the jobs that locals don't want, along with paying taxes like everyone else. there are a reported 5,000 migrant families now in the county trying hard to make a living to be permanent citizens of this country.

It was also stated at the meeting that this year they ran short in the budget due to increased costs for employee's health care and higher fuel costs. Along with spending over $30 million to build a new prison, there was too much crime and overcrowding in the county as it is.

needless to say, there were too many other things in the budget that ranked higher in importance than the sheriff's department. Maybe next year will be better for Dicesari and his deputies.

'Best' picture? Maybe not

The academy is trying out a new logical way in a voting system for this years best picture category. With the old system you would pick one out of five different choices and that would be it. The new system has a one out of ten ranking system. With a process of elimination, the winning picture has to have over 50 percent of the total votes to be considered the winner.

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exposay.com for picture

College Life

My first day at ARCC was pretty great! I was already tired from being at work all day, so there was no room to be nervous! The first class for the week was a night math class. Most of all of the other students were I am assuming people like me, who worked all day and then came to class at night. I could tell from the begining that the teacher we have for the class was going to be great! I have been in a few math classes in my time as a student, but I have never had a teacher that I have truly liked! I would have to say that my first class at ARCC of my first day, is my favorite. It really shows how well a student does in a class when there is a positive instructor behind them encouraging them the whole way.

Roseville man's body found in northern Minnesota

As Vince Tuss reports, the body of Stephen Brockway, 44, was found in Bassett Township near the Duluth-Cloquet area. On January 21st Brockway left the area after visiting family. Leads suspect no foul play was involved but considered Brockway a vulnerable adult.Brockway's body was found three quarters of a mile from his truck near the Jenkins Creek Grouse Management Area just this Tuesday.



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For story and picture

Story #1

There was a 14 car pileup this morning on Interstate 790 at 6:45am. It seems that two tractor trailers collided with a bad ending result. Police are still investigating on what exactly happened with the two vehicles this morning.
As a result of the crash, there were two fatalities along with two of the worst injured who were air lifted with a "Life Flight" helicopter to the trauma center in Statesville. 18 more were injured and some were sent to the hospital by ambulance as well.
By talking to the police, it is still unclear as to why the two tractor trailers made contact in the first place. As 10am rolls around, police are still getting statements and getting the scene cleared up. But as of yet, there hasn't been any charges made against the two drivers because they are still unsure of what happened without a complete report filed yet.
According to Sgt. Albert Wei of the police department, one of the trailers was hauling diesel fuel. "Thankfully it didn't roll over or catch on fire." But as Wei says "I haven't seen anything this bad in the 18 and a half years that of been with the dept." "The scene looked like something from a war zone." said by Fire Chief Tony Sullivan.
As people sat on the side of the road, police had a hard time figuring which bloody person belonged to which broken car. A lot of the cars had to be ripped apart so that people could even get out of them.
It looks like Interstate 790 is closed from both north and south bound lanes with no chances of opening anytime soon. So for now it looks like traffic will be redirected to Interstate 690 on the eastern side of the city. Backups are expected up to three hours so plan accordingly.

Journal Entry #2

Within the last few years, the deer population has gone down and the wolf population has been at an all time high in years. As hunters go out to the woods to check on trails and to look for tracks, they are seeing a lot less deer tracks and more wolf tracks throughout. Even though wolves are not the leading reason, they are a major piece to the puzzle. Along with things like forest habitat and depending on how long and cold the winters are as well.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/82752032.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUgOahccyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs

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Do's and Don'ts of Leads

Before this class, I didn't realize how hard it is to write a lead. I didn't even really grasp the concept of how important a lead is to a story. I know that I struggle with writing leads and getting to the point. I hope to get a lot out of this class with different techniques on how to make it easier to write stories and even leads.

Journal Entry #1

Edina laptop pilot program takes off.

Now in the Edina middle school 150 students have been replacing pens and paper with new laptops. Under a pilot program with the school, they are testing to see if students become more inclined to learning new skills and adapting to different types of learning processes. By 2013 they are hoping to have more students technologically literate under the No Child Left Behind law.




Original source: http://www.startribune.com/local/west/81933137.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUUUycaEacyU