Reader Viewpoint
Posted 7/31/03

Letıs do something

about those tanks

To the Editor:

Iım writing regarding the continuing theft of anhydrous ammonia from the soil service tanks located east of Foreston on Highway 23.

My concern is a personal one. My daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren live within a half mile of those tanks. Iım worried about their safety.

This is not an occasional crime! Police patrol and serveillance, while it provides a sense of security to my daughter and her family, has been until recently quite intense and from the start quite intrusive in their lives. It is a high crime scene and the soil service, Sheriff Lindgren and county officials need to be proactive rather than reactive.

I have a few questions.

Why canıt the brush be cut? The soil service has cleared to their property line and the adjacent land is the countyıs! Any brush offers cover and a sense of security to a thief. My thanks go to Commissioner Peterson for suggesting it.

Why is the area so poorly lit? There are only two ³sodium² pole lights to cover what has to be considered a dangerous site. Wouldnıt ground lighting, focused on the tanks, be more of a deterrent?

What about consolidation? Thereıs safety in numbers and a smaller focus for the police.

Why canıt the old railroad bed, adjacent to the tanks (and owned by the county), be blocked off or gated for access? That old roadbed offers covered access to the tanks from almost a mile away. Small openings could be provided for bicyclists and hikers and the barricades removed for the snowmobile season.

Are hardened locks installed on all portable tanks at the site?

Why wouldnıt the soil service want to build a fence around the tanks? Costs of material and installation could be shared. Multiple gates, on all sides, could provide access and exits for public safety officers. A retired Milwaukee fireman told me that he never entered a dangerous situation without ³mentally mapping² his exits.

You want some extra security for those fence cutters? Put ³Old Shep² in there and back him up with a motion detector.

Ironically, isnıt the soil service creating greater chances for ³leaks² by leaving the tanks accessible?

Now for the tough ones.

Exactly how many icidents of tampering or theft have there been in the last three years? Is the soil serviceıs insurance company aware of each incident?

What are the actual costs of patrol and surveillance?

How many arrests have been made and what is the total cost to the county for their imprisonment and trials?

How many excapes and searches by multiple squads and departments have there been?

Who gets billed when the town and state forces are called in?

How many times have the neighbors been awakened and told to lock their doors? How many times have they been followed home or stopped before they got there?

What does it cost for a helicopter to be called in?

What will the liabilities for the soil service and county be if there is a shooting or a death?

Industry tends to grow around its source of material. The tanks are a convenient source of raw material to an increasingly paranoid and violent ³industry.² It is only a matter of time until a tragedy happens.

Too often nothing is done until economics or personal and community loss intervenes.

Iım sure that a simple accounting of just some of the above costs would justify any attempt at prevention.

Sheriff Lindgren said recently that demand will cause some to take the risk of arrest. I agree. However, it is not addiction that we have to solve. We need simply to minimize their access and chances at success in any attempt to get this product. Iım naive enough to believe it can be done co-operatively and fairly cheap.

My youngest grandsonıs name is Alec Gustav. Heıs named after his great-great- grandfather, a first generation immigrant to the Milaca area. Alec will be two in early fall. Iıd rather he remember the rich history of this community than the lights, chaos and fear of crime.

Iıd like him to be safe. What can I do to help?

Dean E. Gustafson

Milaca

Caregivers group

appreciates support

To the Editor:

The show "For Love of Country" demonstrated the spirit of community and volunteerism in a magnificent way! Rum River Interfaith Caregivers would like to express a great big "Thank You!" to everyone who helped make this musical such a success.

A special thanks to the sponsors who helped make it all possible. To Olsons Super Valu and Alfred Olson Co. - sincere gratitude for your generosity; to Electric Norseman Music - your hard work was very appreciated; to Jeff and Linda Hammer, First National Bank of Milaca, Princeton Auto and Bob 106 - your sponsorship is received with gratitude.

To the cities of Princeton and Milaca, thank you for all your cooperation. To host a production of this size involves the input of our local governments as well.

Many people too numerous to mention by name were involved in this production. However, we would like to acknowledge the time and commitment of the cast, crew, and those who donated their vehicles, equipment, buildings and use of space. What a tremendous example of teamwork you all presented.

A show cannot take place without a director. Thank you, Roger Gerdin, for your hard work and commitment. Thanks for caring about the ministry and impact of Rum River Interfaith Caregivers.

And finally, to those who attended and gave so kindly, thank you so very much. It is critical to many that our volunteers continue their care. Please know that your contribution makes a positive difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors in need and also in the life of our organization.

Rum River Interfaith Caregivers is pleased to be able to offer help free of charge. We are proud to be a part of a community that supports us in this mission.

Teresa Nelson,

Executive Director

Rum River Interfaith Caregivers