DHJ News Log

MnDOT urges drivers to use extra caution while driving in highway work zones during fishing opener weekend

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:55:50 +0000

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges anglers to focus on driving safely, particularly in highway work zones, as they head out across the state to reach their favorite fishing spots this coming weekend.

Minnesota’s fishing season opens officially on Saturday, May 11.

Besides increased car, truck and boat trailer traffic on the state’s highways, motorists may encounter bypasses, lane closures and detours resulting from transportation projects underway this construction season. Motorists should be prepared for slower moving traffic and use extra caution in highway work zones to avoid injury or death to themselves or highway workers.

Plan ahead, think about alternate routes, call 5-1-1 or go to www.511mn.org to get advance information about road construction and detours.

Highway projects that may affect weekend travel on May 10-12 include the following:

· Interstate 694/Highway 10 interchange reconstruction in Arden Hills

· I-35E/I-35W split - pavement, bridge and guardrail construction in Burnsville (southbound I-35E closed between County Road 42 and the I-35/35W/35E split)

· I-94 resurfacing between Clearwater and St. Cloud (traffic down to one lane in each direction)

MnDOT urges motorists to:

· Check www.511mn.org for up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions.

· Minimize distractions (e.g., don’t use cell phones or eat or drink while driving)

· Follow posted speed limits; fines double in work zones.

· Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

For a complete list of projects, including construction dates and traffic impacts, visit www.mndot.gov/construction.

BREAKING NEWS: Body found in Crow River near Rockford Tuesday night

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:07:51 +0000

ROCKFORD, MN – A body was recovered from the Crow River by Wright County Sheriff’s Recreational Services Division Tuesday night at about 6:10 p.m. The body was located approximately one mile north of Highway 55, according to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office was conducting a river search, and the body appears to be that of a white male in his mid-to-late twenties.

Authorities have been searching for Samuel Adam Scherna Gustafson, 26, of Rockford, who was reported missing April 21 just before 8 p.m.

The deceased male was located about two to three miles north of Rockford and has not been positively identified at this time, according to the sheriff’s office. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is performing an autopsy and will attempt to make positive identification of the male.

This case remains under investigation by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Watch here and in Monday’s Delano Herald Journal for more information as it becomes available.

For more information on Gustafson, visit: http://www.herald-journal.com/archives/2013/stories/rockford-missing-man.html

Help shape the future of Delano Public Schools

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:40:19 +0000

DELANO, MN - Delano parents and community members are invited to a strategic planning community meeting Wednesday, May 15, beginning at 6 p.m. at Delano City Hall. This meeting will allow residents to be part of the strategic planning process by participating in discussions about what is working well in the district and what needs to be improved upon. The district welcomes comments, input, and suggestions.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Glen “Buddy” Graunke, 72, Buffalo

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:39:49 +0000

Glen Oscar Graunke, “Buddy” age 72 of Buffalo passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born March 27, 1941 to George and Evelyn (Will) Graunke in Watertown, Minnesota.

Glen went to school in the Watertown School System. He worked as a punch press operator for Ware Manufacturing for over 30 years. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, go four wheeling, snowmobiling, but most of all to spend time with his friends and family.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents George and Evelyn Graunke; sister Judith Graunke; brother Dale Graunke; brother-in-law Leo Svoboda; and a niece Bev Ehlers. He is survived by his siblings Marlys Winsemann, Barb Graunke, Pat (Larry) Snodgrass, Lois Svoboda, Carol (Duane) Poliwoda, Dennis Graunke, Richard (Fran) Graunke, Ronald (Audrey) Graunke, Frank Graunke, Leroy (Blythe) Graunke, Roger (Ginger) Graunke; special family member Debra Schmidt.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Iten Funeral Chapel in Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday prior to the services. Inurnment will be in the Watertown Public Cemetery.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Loren A. Schaust, 89, Delano

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:38:53 +0000

Loren Andrew Schaust, age 89 of Delano went to be with his perfect partner Dorothy and son Loren Robert on Monday, April 29, 2013.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who was always willing to lend a helping hand and provide a quick pearl of wisdom.

Survived by children and spouses Donna Nesbitt and fiance Richard Tucker, Doug (Becky), Bonnie (Steve) Meyer; grandchildren Brandon Nesbitt (Kristy Johnson), Amber Nesbitt, Robert Schaust, Ryan Schaust, Andrew Meyer; great grandson Kadin Nesbitt.

Mass of Christian burial 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Delano. Visitation Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. at Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church. There will be a 3:30 p.m. rosary and 7:30 p.m. prayer service on Thursday. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. at St. Peter’s prior to the Mass. Interment Calvary Cemetery.

Catholic Community salad/hot dish luncheon Friday, May 10

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:37:53 +0000

DELANO, MN - The Delano Catholic Community’s annual salad/hot dish luncheon is set for Friday, May 10 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Delano. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take-outs are available. Adults $7; 12 and under $3; preschool free.

Fountain Lake Association to meet Sunday, May 5

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:37:20 +0000

The annual meeting of the Fountain Lake Association will take place Sunday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Woodland Hill Winery (731 Wright County Road 30 SE). The agenda includes electing officers for the association, reviewing last year’s activities, and planning for the next year. All Fountain Lake watershed area residents are welcome.

History of Delano Lions to be presented Saturday

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:36:49 +0000

DELANO, MN - The Delano-Franklin Township Area Historical Society is hosting a history of the Delano Lions Club Saturday, May 4 from 9-11 a.m. at the Delano Heritage Center (Bridge Avenue and Second Street). Dale Vander Linden, winner of the Lions’ Humanitarian Award, will share the history of Lions International and how the local club has benefited the Delano community. All are welcome.

Program on senior care decisions offered Tuesday

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:36:25 +0000

Karen Sarine, a geriatric social worker, will present a program to help families discuss sharing information regarding aging family members. The program will be offered Tuesday, April 30 at 1 and 6 p.m. at Delano Senior Center. Participants will learn how to make important decisions now, and how to share them with other family members. Register for either program by calling (763) 972-0574.

Delano community garden registration deadline Friday

Ryan Gueningsman DHJ Managing Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:35:43 +0000

DELANO, MN - Due to the challenges last year, the Delano Area Community Garden (DACG) has been relocated to Barb King Inspiration Park. Organizers of the community garden are looking for volunteers to help prepare the 90-foot-by-110-foot site Friday, May 17. Anyone interested should contact Jan Johnson at jannixa@frontiernet.net. The target opening date for the garden is Friday, May 18. Participants will receive a 10-foot-by-20-foot garden plot with access to a water tank. Gardens must be planted by Monday, June 10 and maintained all summer. The cost is $15 per plot, and limited to one plot per family. Anyone interested in having a garden plot in the community garden is encouraged to contact the Delano City Hall at (763) 972-0550; visit the city website at http://www.delano.mn.us/community/recreation/community-garden for application, rules, and release forms; or visit city hall. Registration will be accepted until Friday, May 3 at noon.