Thursday, September 5, 2013

Volume 98; Number 11

www.bladepublishing.net staff@bladepublishing.net

A community newspaper serving Browerville, MN and surrounding areas. USPS 067-560

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Chuchna bids farewell to Todd County Sheriffs Department

signed, written agreement stating the price that has been agreed upon. If anyone sees a crime in progress or something appears suspicious, dont hesitate to call 911. For any other incidents, you can contact the Todd County Sheriff s Office at (320) 732-2157 or toll free at (800) 794-5733.

Todd Board learns staff training has begun for Affordable Care Act (ACA)
By Rin Porter At the Aug. 27 meeting of the Health and Human Services Board, Todd County Commissioners heard a variety of topics presented by HHS Director Cheryl Schneider and several staff members. One of the updates commissioners heard concerned the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Several parts of the ACA go into effect on October 1. Schneider told the board that staff training through an internet-based program has begun. All Social Services staff will be trained. The training lasts about four weeks, with a new part of the training given each week. The training requires about 4 to 6 hours per person. It is free. Commissioners also heard an appeal from Katherine Mackadanz for the board to approve the hiring of a part-time Local Foods Educator, through University Extension. Commissioners heard about this proposed staff member to be shared with Morrison County aat a previous meeting. The person, if the position is approved, would work three days per week, shared between the two counties. He or she would train local food producers in marketing their products, extending their growing season, and reaching elderly and low income residents with good local food. The issue will be added to the Sept. 3 board agenda. Beth Shell reported that child support collection has risen to 78% of funds due. She said this is an excellent result, and is in line with other efforts by other counties. The last time she reported to the board, collection was at 76%. The caseload is stable at 1150 cases. Shell and Schneider said that the Fathers Program, formerly called Wings, will now be administered by Mahube-Otwa Continued on page 12.

School is open: Stop for buses and children!

Bob Cuchna, right, officially started with the Sheriffs Office in November, 1994. By Sheriff Pete Mikkelson. Dispatch Supervisor Bob Cuchna announced his retirement from the Todd County Sheriff s Office effective August 31, 2013. Bob officially started with the Sheriff s Office in November of 1994 as a Jailer/Dispatcher. Prior to that position, he was an Assistant Water Patrol Deputy. Bob has always had an interest in Public Safety and continues to serve as a Volunteer Fireman with the Clarissa Fire Department. He has been with the Fire Department for 35 years. Bob is very well known and respected by Emergency Service Personnel throughout the county, and the state. Bob has served on numerous committees for Public Safety Answering Points, and different radio boards for the new ARMER radio system. Bobs motto at the end of his e-mails always says, 911 Dispatch, its not just a job, its a calling. Dispatching for Bob, definitely has always been a calling. The attached photo shows Bob receiving a plaque from the Micah Myers who is with the Central MN Regional Advisory Committee. Bob also received a plaque from the Todd County Board of Commissioners for his years of service to Todd County. Dispatcher Johnny Saarela will take over as Dispatch Supervisor, effective September 1, 2013. Johnny has been with the Sheriff s Office since 2008. He is also a member of the Long Prairie Fire Department and has the same commitment to Public Safety as Bob. Throughout the summer, as we do every summer, we like to warn the public about the possibility of Paving Companies scamming people in the area. These individuals tend to go door to door offering good deals on a paving job only to end up overcharging their customers for substandard work. If anyone is approached by any of these companies, prior to making an agreement with them, it is best to check out the validity of the company. Many times this can be done quite easily on the internet by entering the company name. If possible, obtain the name of another customer in the area where the company has worked and call that residence to see what type of work they performed. Prior to having any work done, its extremely important to have a

Volleyball kicks off season of Tiger sports

Right: The tiger girls kicked off the 2013 Tiger sports season hosting Bertha/Hewitt on August 27th. Story inside.

WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT

Tue. Sept. 3 Mostly Sunny 82/56 Wed. Sept. 4 Partly Cloudy 81/49 Thur. Sept. 5 Mostly Sunny 84/59 Fri. Sept. 6 Sunny 88/61 Sat. Sept. 7 Partly Cloudy 86/57 Sun. Sept. 8 T-Storms 78/50