Archive - Apr 2008

Last summer, it was all about threequels … “Shrek 3,” “Pirates of the Caribbean 3,” “Bourne Ultimatum” and “Ocean’s 13,” to name a few. This summer, there are some sequels, but the big news, of course, is the fourth installment of the “Indiana Jones” franchise.

Opening Thursday, May 22, is “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” It’s the only film opening Memorial Day Weekend, which means no other studio wanted to challenge its box office clout.

Scores of eager anglers flocked to the Rainy River this spring despite having to push their boats across the ice to get to open water. They came to take advantage of the extended walleye season, which ended April 14, along the Minnesota-Ontario border waters.

“These walleye anglers are a tough breed,” said Doug Easthouse, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Big Bog State Recreation Area park manager. “They camped in tents at Franz Jevne State Park in 20-degree weather and shoveled snow to do it.”

Martin Campbell demonstrates how to
make a flying pigeon shadow hand puppetMartin Campbell, who directed two of the coolest Bond flicks ever, has been tapped by United Artists to kick-start what could become a whole new spy movie franchise.

Two executive producers on the TV series “24” — Joel Surnow and Michael Loceff — will write the as-yet-untitled film, according to Variety.

From Brad Engelmann
Helen Township

Anybody can inventory problems. But what are you going to do about them?

Most of our problems can be traced to a declining national currency, a problem which has been brought upon by irresponsible monetary, fiscal and trade policies. It has been brought upon by a central bank that is owned by private stockholders and not accountable to the American public. These are fundamental problems which require fundamental reform. But how can we bridge the gap in the meantime?

From Michael Campion
Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety

During the past week in Minnesota, 10 people were killed in traffic crashes. Of those fatalities, nine were not wearing seat belts and at least six were ejected from the vehicle.

This recent rash of preventable tragedies underscores safety advice that many of us heed, but still too many ignore: buckle up.

A seat belt is your best defense on roads plagued with speeding, distracted and impaired drivers. Quite simply, if you choose not to buckle up, your chances of surviving a crash are cut in half.

From Steve Cook
Mayor of Hutchinson

On behalf of the Hutchinson City Council, I want to thank everyone who has contacted Rep. Ron Shimanski and members of the Minnesota House leadership, encouraging them to add funds to the Local Government Aid program. If you haven’t done so yet there is still time as the House continues their discussions. In addition, sending a note to Gov. Pawlenty’s office would also be helpful since he will have to support whatever bill the Legislature agrees on.

Hutchinson Medical Center is 50 years old. The clinic, started by four physicians in 1958, said yesterday it is honoring its golden anniversary with a yearlong celebration.

Hutchinson can be proud of its clinic, which has grown to 150 staff members and 32 health-care providers. Many of us might take for granted that the clinic is based in Hutchinson, and that decisions surrounding its services are made here, rather than at a health-care system’s corporate office in the Twin Cities. We should be grateful that our clinic maintains its roots here.

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