Dear Neighbors,
Another busy week, as we enjoy deer hunting and a really big muskie catch!
Congratulations to Robert Hawkins for recently landing a world-class muskie (57 inches and estimated at more than 50 pounds) at Mille Lacs. This highlights the fact there are fish other than walleyes to catch in Mille Lacs. We even have another chance at the monster muskie Hawkins caught because he released his amazing catch. Click here for his fish story.
Tuesday morning found me in Crosby with Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board staff, city officials and local businesses discussing areas where the IRRRB can be more supportive of economic development within the IRRRB service area. A similar meeting is planned for the Aitkin area early in January, 2016.
Later on Tuesday Sen. Carrie Ruud and I hosted a two-hour discussion with area school superintendents and school board members. The session was led by the chairs of the House Education finance and policy committees, Rep. Jenifer Loon and Rep. Sondra Erickson.
It was an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand from our school administrators what is working and what still needs attention within our education systems. The group included large- and small-school public districts, charter schools, as well as two area Native American Schools that are either located in or are adjacent to Aitkin and Crow Wing County.
I want to especially thank the school superintendents and school board members from the nine area schools that took the time out of their busy day to participate.
Wednesday we celebrated Veterans Day beginning with a wonderful program put on by the students at the Ripple River Elementary School in Aitkin. That was followed by an equally great program at the Aitkin High School with the high school choir and band.
A special thank you to Bob Lake for providing a very uplifting message during the Aitkin High School program on why we commemorate Veterans Day. Bob is a fellow graduate of the Aitkin High School's class of 1967. Like many of us from that generation he served in the Vietnam War. Thank you again to all our veterans for answering the call to serve our country.
On a final note, I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have questions about what the implementation of federal Real ID standards means to Minnesotans, especially air travelers. I will cover that issue in my next letter, so stay tuned.
Sincerely yours,
Dale