Letters 3/18/06

Thanks for

your support

On behalf of the Park Rapids-Menahga-Nevis boys hockey team, we would like to thank everyone involved with our program. We would like to thank Ed DeLaHunt for making a sacrifice to get all of our games on the air. We thank KDKK and all of their sponsors. Thanks to Vance Carlson for the excellent coverage on each of our games.

We would like to thank Keith Meyer for his superb announcing and Linda and Tony Harris for taping every game possible.

We would especially like to thank our fans. There is no better feeling than having so many people cheering us on. Thank you, John Brosco, for all your support and everyone for a great season.

Captains Levi Goeden and Alex Ehler and the boys varsity hockey team

Truth

telling

Mr. Bush and his conservative base are quick to label as "Bush Haters" those who do not support him. Why is it that anyone who disagrees with outrageous Bush policies is thus labeled? Is William Buckley, the godfather of conservatism, a Bush hater for saying that Bush has lost the war in Iraq? Is Conservative William Kristol, who says Bush is incompetent, a Bush hater?

We, who disagree with Mr. Bush's policies of incompetence, waste, corruption and cronyism, are stating the truth; it has nothing to do with Bush hate. As citizens, it is our duty to our country to think and reason and to seek the truth. We will continue to do so.

Joy Bumgardner

Plymouth

DNR tackling

issue aggressively

My job, among other things, is to listen to citizens. And in recent months, I've listened hard to anglers in the Walker area, especially those associated with the Walker Area Walleye Coalition (WAWC). Coalition members want the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to stock more walleye, increase the frequency of certain surveys and do other things that may improve walleye catch rates.

And after a lot of listening - by DNR fisheries managers and coalition members - that's going to happen. In addition to the 20-some million walleye fry that will be stocked in Leech Lake this spring, the DNR will increase walleye stocking on Blackwater, Long, Mule, Lower and Upper Trelipe, Wabedo, Webb, Little Webb and Little Boy lakes. Also, the DNR will work with volunteers to remove small northern pike from Little Webb and Ponto lakes. Some citizens believe the netting and removal of many "hammerhandle" northern pike will improve the walleye populations in these lakes.

This aggressive approach to improve Walker area fishing quality is part of an overall effort that will redirect some $250,000 of DNR fisheries management funds and staffing into the Leech Lake area this coming year. The dollar amount reflects commitments to stock walleye fry in Leech Lake, control cormorants, add an additional biologist to the DNR's Walker Area Fisheries staff, implement pioneering rusty crayfish research on Leech Lake, increase walleye stocking in area lakes and do additional surveys so that fisheries professionals and the public can have a more accurate pulse on certain fish populations. That's no small potatoes. The Walker area is a priority and the DNR has responded.

Does this mean every wish has been granted? No. But it does mean that every request has been seriously considered, weighed against statewide priorities and held up to the light of science. Moreover, we have worked hard to communicate the rationale for the decisions we've made.

Like you, we in the DNR want the best possible fishing in the Walker area and it is our belief that DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Harlan Fierstine, working through the WAWC, has designed a plan to achieve that end.

C.B. Bylander

DNR Fish and Wildlife Outreach section chief

Daffodil Days

fundraiser a success

As the co-chairpersons of this year's American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, we would like to thank the citizens of Park Rapids and the surrounding areas for their generosity and support.

The daffodil is a symbol of hope for cancer survivors. More than 12,000 daffodils were sold during the event, raising money for the American Cancer Society's research, education, advocacy and service programs. The outstanding support received proves this community is truly committed to a future free from cancer.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Coborn's and J&B Foods for the use of their coolers and on-site selling space. To Snyders Park Pharmacy of Park Rapids, Northwind Grocery in Nevis, Blue Ox Market in Akeley and Snyders Drug in Menahga for selling in their stores and to all the volunteers who graciously sold pre-sale or at the on-site locations, without you we would not have such a successful event.

Through advancements in cancer treatment and prevention, an estimated 8.4 million Americans are living today with a history of cancer. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, please call 800-ACS-2345 or visit our Web site at www.cancer.org .

Thank you again.

Mary Girtz and Cathy Hensel

Hubbard County Unit Daffodil Days co-chairpersons