Archive for March, 2009

Today we started out with Deputy Joe Schanen and Jim Powell who taught us about crime scene reconstruction. They use some pretty high-tech equipment and software to map out crime scenes. We were able to see one of the boats they use to patrol the lakes and we saw their mapping equipment.

Our final speaker was Deb Fischer from North Memorial Medical Center. She taught us about how helicopters are using in emergency situations. The weather prohibited us from actually seeing a helicopter, but we were able to see one of their ground ambulances.

Here are some photos from our second class:

I took some pictures while I was driving this morning. (Okay, I wasn’t actually driving when I took them. I did pull over!)

The Elk River Business Expo will be help tomorrow from 10 am to 3 pm at the Elk River High School.

They expect over 200 businesses and community organizations, so there should be plenty to see and to do.

For more information, visit the Chamber of Commerce site.

We drove by the Riverside Park in Princeton this evening and saw how high the water had come. The barbecue grills are totally covered. Here are some pictures:

Do you like my play on words?

We had our first class today and I must say, it was first class!

We listened to three speakers, enjoyed a tour of the Zimmerman facility, and were able to see a patrol car up close.

The first speaker was Sheriff Joel Brott. I met him at the Zimmerman Business Expo and was impressed with how accessible and friendly he was. (and young!) He spoke about the history of the Sherburne County Sheriff department and how the departments are set up. He is obviously very knowledgeable about the department.

Chief Deputy Scott Gudmundson and Captain Steve Doran also gave presentations. We learned about how to become a peace officer and how the Sheriff’s Department patrols the waterways of the county.

All of the speakers did a great job. This is going to be a great 8 weeks. The other people attending the class are very friendly and the deputies in charge are doing a wonderful job putting this citizen’s academy together!  The next time it is available, be sure to sign up!

I stopped by the new Buckies Dollar Value Store in Zimmerman today, owned by Joe Brueske. I saw the sign the other day but wasn’t sure where the store was at. It is actually inside the same building as Woodlands Floral, Zap-a-Tan, and Zap Sporting Goods. They were still stocking products, but this will be a nice place for my children to shop!

Cheryl Struthers and Ashley Brueske

I received this notice in an email from Princeton Golf Course:

Our 2009 Membership Special has been extended through March 31. Get unlimited golf for the entire season for just $395 plus tax. You can add children age 10-18 for just $100 per child. This means Dad, Mom, and two kids can play all year from less than our regular single rate. There’s never been a better time to make golf your family game.

I went to my first Zimmerman Business Expo on Saturday. There were over sixty businesses and community organizations there. I spoke to each one and snapped a photo. Everyone was very kind and friendly. I love meeting new people!

I’ll be putting together a video of the booths, but for now, here are a few pictures.

In the first picture Marilyn Bina from Prime Advertising and Deb Kazle, Chamber Administrator, welcome Business Expo attendees.

This is the Four Wheeler that is being raffled to raise money for the Golf Tournament this summer. You may see it sitting in different places around town. Where will it be next?

Here are Kary Tillman and Zimmerman Mayor Dave Earenfeit.

This is our illustrious new Sherburne County Sheriff, Joel Brott.

I didn’t get the name of this gentleman, but his hat was sure a hit!

Don’t forget about the Business Expo tomorrow at Zimmerman High School, 10 am – 2 pm.

I attended the Skywarn class in Elk River yesterday. We learned a lot of good information about identifying storm systems and how to recognize storms that may produce hail and tornadoes. There were more than sixty people in attendance. Be sure to thank the people who volunteer their time to help keep you safe!

John Wetter, Coordinator of Skywarn Operations, National Weather Service, Chanhassen, MN