Minnesota State Senator Tom Neuville

Marilynn and I attended the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award dinner tonight at the Northfield American Legion Hall. It’s the “Kick-off” event for the annual Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration in Northfield.

The Banquet honored Chip DeMann for him many years of service to the DDJJ Days committee and for his great work as an ambassador for Northfield, Dundas, and Rice county. Chip has been very involved in organizing the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration and all of the local Historical societies, especially the Northfield Historical Society. Nobody knows the local history of Jesse Jame’s raid on the First National Bank of Northfield better than Chip.

Congratulations to Chip DeMann and his family. Well Done!

Of course, I also got to take a picture with the newly crowned DDJD Queen and her Princesses.

Last August, I wrote about the death of my Brother-in-law, Dan Bissen, from Austin, Mn.

Dan died of brain cancer, at age 51, after two years of experimental treatment. The care and concern from the Austin community for his family was remarkable.

Today, was the first “Dan Bissen Memorial Bash”, a concert of family, friends and community members. The Bissen family was very musical, and involved in the Austin arts community. There were many moving songs, but the one that touched me most was when Dan’s son, Tony, sang “Oh Danny Boy”. Everyone cried.

There were many times to laugh as well. Nothing heals the pain more than a smile.
We all live such busy lives. We worry about too many things which aren’t important in the eternal scheme. It’s our faith, family and friends that are most important. (and maybe a little fishing).
Hundreds of people took time to remember and celebrate Dan Bissen’s life today, and came away refreshed. Thanks Dan, for helping us remember what life is all about !

After a busy day, I got home tonight to find a card from my brother-in-law, Dan Bissen. It was a birthday card with a humorous verse about my golf game and a handwritten note from Dan on the inside. Not too unusual ….. except that Dan died last August, 2006.

There was a little “return address” sticker on the envelope which said, “Dan Bissen, Heaven“.

Dan wrote a letter to all of his brothers-in-law before he died, and told his sister to send them on our birthday. Even while preparing to die, Dan thought of others. Wouldn’t it be great if we all thought about our loved ones, like Dan did ! Thanks for the message from Heaven Dan.

This week, two groups of Northfield 6th grade students visited the State Capitol. This is always a fun part of the job up here. I told the kids that we were considering a bill to increase the length of the school year by 6 weeks (and then told them that I was kidding as they all moaned). Here is a picture of some of the students.

I have no doubt that one of them will be a state legislator in the future. I’m pleased that they are learning something about our government so early.

Today I attended my 7th Church Dinner/Festival in the past 6 weeks. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Shieldsville holds its fall harvest festival on the first weekend of October every year. I’ve attended nearly every one since 1990.

The Festival is famous for it’s Pork and Sauerkraut, Polka Mass, horseshoe tournament, and friendly people. An organ played in the background while everyone had dinner or a cup of coffee and dessert. This is the last Catholic church dinner before the election. Marilynn and I love to attend church dinners. It gives us the opportunity to soak in the culture and gauge the opinion of the people in the area. You can tell if people think you’re doing a good job by the way that they smile or crack a joke with you.

Of course, if you like to eat (like I do), going to so many dinners is an occupational hazard. It’s almost time for me to go on my annual diet.

People appreciate it when their legislator comes to visit, spends a little money on raffle tickets, homemade jam and pies, and enjoy the music. I recall one year being admonished during a parade in Morristown for not being able to attend the Chicken and Biscuit dinner in Waterville the previous year. People like to see us.

One promise that I have always made is that I will remain accessible to the people. Going to church dinners gives people a chance to visit with me about anything on their mind - and they do ! It also keeps me grounded and “in touch” with the people I represent.

Michigan played the University of Minnesota tonight in Football. It’s tough to beat Michigan when they’re ranked 6th in the country. That may change in the future. At least, that’s what U of M Football Coach, Glen Mason and U of M President Robert Brunicks think, now that we’ll have a new Gopher Football Stadium beginning in the fall of 2009.

Today was the groundbreaking for the new stadium. I attended, mostly because my son, Luke, is the Minneapolis student representative on the U of M Board of Regents. So, Luke was one of the dignitaries who got to “throw at little ceremonial dirt” today as the official beginning of site preparation for the new stadium. He is shown here with President Brunicks.

It was a grand day for the groundbreaking. The sun was shining, there were many speeches, and the Minnesota Marching Band was blowing out the “Minnesota Rouser” .

I did not vote in favor of the new stadium. I had been in favor of giving the HHH Metrodome to the University instead. But, I must admit that there was a lot of excitement at the stadium site, as construction begins. It will cost a lot of money, but it will be a great addition to the campus. Some day, Luke will come back to campus as an alumni and share the pride of being a U of M graduate.

They say that ‘ Athletics is the window of the University . It’s not what universities exist for. But, there is no doubt that Big 10 athletics at the U of M is a major attraction that draws students, donors, and alumni to the campus. 25 years from now, I might admit that my vote against the stadium was wrong. I’m not ready to admit that right now. But, the majority rules in the legislature, and we should all be excited as this project begins.

Last Night, Marilynn and I spent time at another one of our small town fundraisers. The City of Arlington, in eastern Sibley County, is one of the most beautiful small towns that I represent. I’ve been there for many events, parades, church and community dinners and fundraisers throughout the summer and fall.

There’s something different about people who live in small towns like Arlington. They have a special sense of community and loyalty toward each other. The people tend to be a little more self reliant. They are people who love their country and city. They take care of each other and aren’t afraid of showing their patriotism publicly. They are friendly to outsiders and love to visit for a long time in the coffee shop or community center. Their pleasures are simple and when they put on a dinner, I usually walk away stuffed.

Arlington is a city of about 2800 people. But, it is also the home of Sibley East High School which serves all of eastern Sibley county, the Sibley county Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Nursing Home(and soon to have an Assisted Living Center). They have a busy downtown area , lots of Churches and the Sibley County fairgrounds (which is famous for its all- you- can- eat corn feed in August). The big employer is Seneca Foods (Green Giant).

Earlier this year, Marilynn and I attended the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Park. It was a wonderful and patriotic event, which we found very touching. Here are some pictures of the event. I was especially moved by the words on the Memorial Stones and by the discipline and love of country shown by the Sibley county Army Reserve Unit, which had just returned from Iraq

Arlington also celebrated is 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) as a city this year. The Parade (held in August) was the first that the town has had since I’ve been their Senator. It was a fun event which ended, of course, in the City Park with a corn eating contest. I love this town !! Here are more pictures of the Parade.

Last night was the annual fund raising event for the Arlington Ambulance Service. More than 600 people attended the hog roast, even though Sibley East high school was playing a football game at the same time. While we ate and visited with citizens, a polka band played. Across the hall, in the City Council Chambers, local nurses were taking blood tests for diabetes screening. (While we waited for our test results, Marilynn sat in Mayor Dave Czech’s chair, and proclaimed, ” I think I’d like to be Mayor!” (She always brings smiles and friendship to people when we are out campaigning and visiting with citizens) The Band ended the evening by playing “God Bless America” with everyone standing and singing along with hands over hearts. I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat. This is Minnesota and America, and I’m so proud to represent them. I even had the honor of having a picture with Miss Arlington and her princesses (See below along with other pictures of the event)

This past weekend, Marilynn and I had our fill of Czech food and Church festivals. The last parade of the year was held in New Prague. It was the City’s Czech Harvest festival, called Dozinky Days. There were lots of tractors, trucks, hay wagons, and of course, Polish sausage, Bratwurst, Pork sandwiches and Sauerkraut and Concertina music.

I walked in the Parade with State Representative Ray Cox, Congressman John Kline, and State Representative Laura Brod, who was in her home town.

From New Prague, Marilynn and I traveled to the City of Le Sueur, for the Annual Applefest at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. We attended mass there, bought an apple pie, and enjoyed another pork sandwich with sauerkraut.

Le Sueur is also famous for being the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant. The town lost Green Giant (Seneca Foods) some years ago, but the reputation still exists.

Finally, on Sunday, we attended yet another Church dinner in Kilkenny. St. Canice Parish was always a favorite of our kids. Today, I love to buy a plate of fudge and bring home cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and honey. No wonder it’s hard to lose weight during a campaign year !!

Thursday, Aug.24th, was a tough day for some of the communities in District 25. In the morning, baseball sized hail hit Northfield (including my home and cars), causing significant damage. Much of the damage occurred at Dokmo Ford, Furlong Motors, and at the colleges.

But, I suspect that most people in town experienced some damage. There will be a lot of roof damage too. I found about 6-7 holes in my roof caused by the hail. I found that old, plastic political yard signs were great for patching the holes until the insurance adjusters come to inspect.

Then, later that night storm warnings of high winds, rain, and tornado threats had all of us watching the radar on T.V. Some of the worst damage occurred in the Western part of my district, in Kasota, and south of Cleveland.
On Friday, Governor Pawlenty toured the area with Representative Laura Brod, me and LeSueur County law enforcement and emergency officials. We first met with citizens at the high school gym in Cleveland. Then, we toured some of the damaged areas.

It is hard to describe seeing damage caused by tornadoes first hand. Corn is flat, blown to the east in one field, and to the south in another field across the road. Farm silos are sheared in half, or tipped over onto the barn, while the house 200 feet away is standing, with just window damage. Cattle are dead and lying next to the road, or laying in the corn field with broken legs.

Near Lake Emily, in Kasota, several houses were blown away, while the golf course on the other side of the road, was undamaged. One elderly man died. He was evacuated by boat , since the tornado blew trees across his driveway and prevented rescue squad vehicles from getting to his home.

I am sad for those who suffered injuries or damage to their homes or farms. But, I was heartened by the positive attitude of those who lost the most. They were thankful to be alive and to have so many friends to came out to help. Another group that helped so much were the local Volunteer Firemen. Many were out helping their neighbors at 3-4 am. The Sheriff’s Posse was also out in force to find straying cattle.

There will be a great need for volunteers next week. Mostly for debris cleanup from farm fields. If you are willing to help, contact my office in St. Paul, or Le Sueur county Emergency officials. Below are just a few of the pictures of the damage that I witnessed last Friday after the storm.

As we were leaving, we passed a farm site where the entire house and outbuildings were destroyed. 40-50 volunteers were there helping. I noticed that someone had put up a small American Flag in the rubble. Even in adversity, people hold their head high, and look forward.

I am proud to represent people who gladly help their neighbors. I saw a lot helping on Friday.

Sportsmen (and women) groups are plentiful in District 25. Last Friday, August 10th, was the annual Waterfowl Banquet in New Prague.I attended with Representatives Laura Brod whose Husband Wade is quite an avid hunter) and Representative Ray Cox and his wife, Ellen. Ray was lucky and won one of the raffles- a nice Cabela’s bag.

One topic of interest with people was the Constitutional Amendment to dedicate 3/16th of one cent of the existing sales tax for clean water and wildlife habitat. Many sportsmen organizations worked hard to gain passage of the amendment, but it failed this year mostly because Senate Democrats added Constitutional dedication of sales tax for arts spending. Many, including me, believed that this amendment to the bill was designed to “kill” the bill. It worked. Next year, Sportsmen Groups will work harder to keep the bill clean.

One article which accurately described the events at the capitol this year was written by Sportswriter Dennis Anderson of the Minneapolis Tribune. He concludes that the bill was defeated by the addition of arts funding to the bill. He’s right ! An earlier article written by Dennis Anderson is also linked here.