In the necessary effort to raise revenue, the Crow Wing County Fair Board has proceeded to allow the sale of beer at the 2011 fair.
The Oak Lawn Township Board of Supervisors will address this issue at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Town Hall just east of the former state hospital on Highway 18. Approval by the Township Board is necessary in order to have this beer garden.
Your input is encouraged regarding the sale of beer at such a family oriented event. It is very important you attend this meeting and voice your opinion.
Mary Lou Cody
Lorna Hensch
MADD Crow Wing County
A thank you to Brainerd police
I would like to direct this letter to the men and women of the Brainerd Police Department. I would like to start by saying thank you. Thank you for doing a job that all too often is not appreciated. A vital job that is overlooked or dismissed until someone needs you. A job where politicians praise you in public, while trying to eliminate you behind closed doors. A job where people are happy to know you are around, unless that around places you behind them while they are driving. I would like to thank you for choosing to be a protector and servant of the public while having to put up with all the garbage that goes along with that choice.
I would also like to apologize for personally contributing to the garbage that you have had to put with. For years I have had numerous run-ins with the Brainerd Police Department. You were just doing your job, but I was never able to see it that way. Then on Oct. 29, 2010, I made a crank phone call to your office. Of all the issues that we have had through the years this one left me feeling wrong. My phone call was an unwarranted personal attack on your dispatcher and on your officers. I said things that were crude, cruel and completely uncalled for. You did nothing to deserve my comments and I wish that I could take them all back. It is for that reason that I have chosen to make a public apology for my actions, and to sign my name to that apology, so that everyone will know what I did. I am sorry, and I hope that this will be the last run in that we have.
Jason N. Thompson
Baxter
Comments (52)
Add commentand another one
I find all of 4TGOG very demeaning, why are his posts not blocked?
Thank you 4TGOG for assuming, I have had 3 uncles die because of alcohol abuse so I am very aware of the dangers alcohol brings. But does that mean I judge every drinker by those standards, no, and neither should you. SHAME ON YOU FOR THAT
As for a dd, when I go to a watering hole and know I am going to have a few, I have a dd or call a cab. it isnt the bar owners job or the jaycee's for that matter, to serve me a taxi. It is mine.
as for alcoholics getting a beer or 2 at the fair, what about all the greasy food? I would bet a large sum of money our fair support the obese peoples habits just fine. Not only that, but this county is FULL of obese people. I would guess there are more obese people than alcoholics, yet we do not say anything about the girl scout cookies or the pizza fundraisers.
I think we need to get rid of deep fried food, buttered chicken, mini donuts, etc at the fair. Over eating kills more people in the form of heart disease, diabetes and suffication than alcoholism and drunk driving does. Dont think so, look at the stats.
Once again, $200,000 in donations in a county of 61,000 people is not a bad number. But keep ripping on the Jaycee's 4TGOG. How much have you donated?
JC's ~ sugar coating beer sales
When voicing opinions leads to a productive discussion one will find we can agree to disagree.
The intelligence level of those who have chosen to turn the conversation to corn dogs & milk consumption will /has done nothing more than to show the readers of this forum that their comments lack the skills of an intelligent discussion.
The lack of knowledge with issues in regards to the consumption of alcoholic beverages is evident in the ignorance of their the comments.
Could this possibly be caused by the time they themselves imbibe a brew-ski at “the libation stations” they seem to feel are so valuable to the community?
Let me remind you the discussion was & still is in regards to a beer garden at the CWC fair.
This community already voiced their opinion and voted NO BEER in the past,
The J C’s organizations attempt to sugar coat beer sales without exploring other options is deplorable.
"The intelligence level of
"The intelligence level of those who have chosen to turn the conversation to corn dogs & milk consumption will /has done nothing more than to show the readers of this forum that their comments lack the skills of an intelligent discussion."
Actually you are wrong, obesity is a way worse disease than alcoholism because it effect way more people in this county and this country. And it actually kills more people that alcoholism. All we want is all that terrible food to be outlawed at the fairs, especially those "elephant ears," not only are they fattening, they also degrade the eater of one when someone walks by and can say, "Hey look at that obese person eating an elephant ear, no wonder they look like an elephant."
As for you assuming again about us being alcoholics with your fancy words, well you are wrong again. I am not even close according to all the doctors "standards" so keep on assuming, we all know what assuming does
Nathan, All it takes is one
Nathan,
All it takes is one drunk driver, respectable drinker or not to get in a vehicle and cause a death of another, alcohol is no respecter of who consumes it.
There is no way the JC's can tell who is or is not leaving their beer garden drunk, respectable person or not.
Why would any respectable non profit organization feel the need to sale beer to raise funds? I do believe if the JC's researched it, their organization would discover that there are numerous ways to fund raise without promoting drinking.
Bragging about the thousands of dollars the JC's organization contributes to children s activities through the sale of alcohol does nothing to impress this community.
If JC's want to be respected by the community than hold a fundraiser without the sale of alcohol, do something to earn that respect. promoting the use of alcohol to raise money for Children s activities is disgusting.
Just curious.....Has the Jc's organization donated money to the fair? Or is it just children s activities that they are willing to give their beer donations too?
Why are the JC's so adamant in selling & promoting more beer sales when the community has already voted NO BEER at the CWC fair in the past?
You mention all the thousands the JC's have already raised, have the JC's donated any funds to the CWC fair?
The JC's could certainly "help" the CWC Fair by donating money if they are so inclined...
To my knowledge there has been no free will donation from the JC's offered to the CWC fair, a donation would be a welcome gift to the CWC fair, promoting alcohol sales at the CWC fair is not a welcome suggestion for the community that has already voiced their opinion and voted NO BEER in the past,
The J C’s organizations attempt to sugar coat beer sales without exploring other options is deplorable.
No beer garden!
Reminder ~ The topic IN THIS FORUM is beer gardens folks, NOT obesity or college Drive...
Topic
While the original topic was/is the beer garden, it is Open Forum and can include any topic anyone cares to comment on.
"Children's activity"
For the record, the fair isn't just a "children's activity". My husband and I enjoy going every year and we don't have any children.
"Bragging about the thousands of dollars the JC's organization contributes to children s activities through the sale of alcohol does nothing to impress this community."
Really?? You are going to put that kind of a twist on this?
4TGOG, writing BOOKS about this in the "comments" section on the dispatch will get you nowhere. Find something better to do with you sad life. Go the meeting.... Something tells me you won't though. Because then the crazy person hiding behind the "4TGOG" name will be revealed!
JC's ~NO BEER- cookiedash0610
Cookiedash0610,
Humor me, go back and read the WHOLE EXPLANITION I wrote behind the idea of selling alcohol to raise funds for childrens activities...
In an earlier comment a JC's spokes person listed those that benifit from the JC'S promotions of alcohol sales events, many organizations she (the JC's spokes person) listed are childrens activities...
So,you think that selling beer is a good way to raise money for childrens activities.
Responsible adults...Think, NOT!
annnd cookiedash0610 is your real name?
Like I said...
Crazy person.
No more JC beer supporters....
Valid questions....
Has the Jc's organization donated money to the fair? Or is it just children s activities that they are willing to give their beer donations too?
Why are the JC's so adamant in selling & promoting more beer sales when the community has already voted NO BEER at the CWC fair in the past?
Are there any JC supporters left on site to answer the following questions?
I think someone used to have
I think someone used to have a "problem" with the evil firewater.
Take your whine to the AA meeting.
Question is
Are there any Jaycee supporters left on site willing to waste their time with an obvious fanatic who thinks he speaks for the whole community!
No BEER-Grans naptime
Think I will take a little snoozaroonie, while the troops above search for some intelligent replies to these difficult questions...
Has the Jc's organization donated money to the fair? Or is it just children s activities that they are willing to give their beer donations too?
Why are the JC's so adamant in selling & promoting more beer sales when the community has already voted NO BEER at the CWC fair in the past?
Extravaganza Clarification(s)
Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. To some extent, I feel like this post is the epitome of that definition. However, I feel it's important to point out a few more inconsistencies in 4TGOG's rhetoric. The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza does not sell one ounce of alcohol on the ice. The Jaycees raise funds by selling contest and raffle tickets, charging vendor fees, and a silent auction. Yes, there is alcohol consumed at the event but it's brought by the contestants. Ironically the only way the alcohol could be controlled at the Extravaganza is if the Jaycees sold it thereby providing the control structures and systems. There is no interest in selling alcohol at that event, so don't go there 4TGOG, that's not the point. The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try. There will always be those people that bring alcohol onto the ice, or walk to the outer perimeter and drink at one of the fish houses stationed there, etc. Much like those that bring alcohol to the Fair and simply choose to drink it in or behind the vehicles in the parking lot. For what it's worth, 4TGOG, we're never going to agree on this issue because I sense that you will only be happy in prohibition (and we all know how well that turned out last time), but I would ask that you know the facts and state them correctly when attempting to make a compelling argument. So one last bit of information for you, less then 10% of the money donated by the Brainerd Jaycees to over 50 Brainerd-area charities each year is raised at beer-pouring events. The money that is raised at beer-pouring events is used to send young leaders (adults 18-40) to training seminars, conventions and networking opportunities, so your statement that we're using beer money to provide youth activities is flat out wrong. But alas, I'm feeling a bit like Einstein, so now I will sign off for good.
Finally Charlie05 has helped
Finally Charlie05 has helped to shed a little light on the JC delema.
charlie05 states "The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try"
My point exactly!
The JC's cannot control those that drink at their beer gardens.
Why then dont the JC'S donate some of that mass amount they made from the fishing event to the CWC fair?
....You have choosen to give a partial answer to the question.
If the JC's want the support of the community, why dont they offer funds to the CWC fair istead of promoting another of their beer fundraisers?
Mr Dalton states beer was voted in by the community in the past...
It was the fair board that said NO in the past and for some reason of insanity has now relented and said JC'S could have thier beer garden at the fair.
It was and has been the community that has stepped up in the past to ensure that there was no beer garden, rest assured those that dont want a beer garden WILL speak again.
The lack of respect the JC'S has for the voice of the community in the past on this issue is evident in that the JC's will persist to push their beer garden despite the fact that this community said NO BEER during the last go around with this pathetic idea for a fundraiser.
"There will always be those people that bring alcohol" , do the JC's really need to expand on that by creating another place to promote beer sales in the name of fund raising?
Why promote another JC beer event when there are other avenues?
The JC's offer of "helping" is NOT helping. It has created division in the community.
Is there not 1 JC member out there that can step up and offer
another less controversial way to raise funds for the CWC fair?
charlie05 states "The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try"
My point exactly!
I don't get it
4TGOG,
Are you trying to stop alcohol from being served at the fair or expose the JCs as evildoers?
Brat and a beer!
A brat and a beer sounds good right now. Have to remember to get the new Fleet Farm t-shirt on the way out. Don't want to drip any ketchup on it!
Pepsi?
Better put an end to Pepsi too! Kids will get wired up and run around having fun! Can't have that happen. Nothing wrong with stopping and having a beer to support the local J.C.'s. Maybe have a toast to the party poopers~
Seems to be out of context...
While reading this article, and those of you who have posted, it seems to be a no win argument. I have been to many Jaycee events and have had a great time in the past. The only thing I see is both sides just trying to provoke eachother to get a rise of some sort. 4TGOG, we know your stance, and repeting yourself isn't going to help 'win' your case. The reason I am posting is something you seemed to take out of context...
"Ironically the only way the alcohol could be controlled at the Extravaganza is if the Jaycees sold it thereby providing the control structures and systems. There is no interest in selling alcohol at that event, so don't go there 4TGOG, that's not the point. The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try."
You seem to be taking the words of charlie05 and picking what (you think) makes your argument stronger... in which it doesn't. I have been going to the extravaganza for years now, and never noticed a beer garden, and charlie05 verified my thoughts. The reason things cannot be controlled is that you have 10,000 people out there, thus the comment you took out of context "The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try."
From my understanding, the JC's are wanting a beer garden, so be it, if it's in a controlled environment away from the kiddie rides etc... I have faith in them to do a great job... your fears are valid about drunk driving, or intoxication... and I have read/heard your argument. With their statement about training, and all the other things they do, I feel they would are the best organization to handle beer at the fair.
The thing that also really bothers me is by stating on how bad the organization is for the community. I know one of the directors of Camp Confidence, and they have stated that if it wasn't for the JC's, they would not be where they are now, or even worse, around at all. You obviously have been hurt in the past due to alchohol. I sympathise with you, but don't take it out on a non-profit organization trying to do their job and help the community, even if it includes them selling something YOU don't like for whatever reason.
One last thing, I have lived in this wonderful area my whole life, and remember seeing this subject come up multiple times, but I don't remember (a) the jaycees trying to serve out there, or (b) the COMMUNITY turning it down. The oak lawn township consists of 3 individuals that vote on all topics that happen within the township. I find it hard that 3 individuals have the power to say yes or no to something as large as this. Also, taking in the human aspect of the 3 individuals, will they/have they taken the whole community into consideration, or were their votes/reactions based solely on their personal feelings? Just some thoughts for the night. Thank you.
NO beer :)
Lets hope someone with some intelligence can soon make appropriate conversation in regards to the conversation at hand.
I am beginning to believe there are no JC supporters or members that can give a good reason why the JC's have not come up with a better plan to fund raise than selling/promoting the sale of alcohol.
NO BEER.
Cookie76 states,
“The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try."
“The reason things cannot be controlled is that you have 10,000 people out there, thus the comment you took out of context "The point is that we cannot control the masses no matter how hard we try."
“With their (JC's)statement about training, and all the other things they do, I feel they would are the best organization to handle beer at the fair.”
Those are just a few of your comments cookie 76, There will be at least 10 thousand people at the CWC fair, just as at the fishing contest not all will imbibe. However the JC's WANT to sell/ promote drinking at (CWC fair) a venue that the community spoke loud and clear on the last attempt that was made by whom ever to sell beer at the CWC fair and the members of the community said NO BEER.
Yet another quote from cookie76,
“You obviously have been hurt in the past due to alchohol. I sympathise with you, but don't take it out on a non-profit organization trying to do their job and help the community, even if it includes them selling something YOU don't like for whatever reason.”
Its the JC's that are promoting a beer garden. That is why the JC's organization is being mentioned in this forum. If the JC's really want to “ help” why cant they come up with another fundraiser that will not divide the community? Selling & promoting beer drinking is NOT helping this community.
No training will prevent a drunk driver from killing someone after leaving the beer garden the JC's want. Nope , haven’t been hurt by anyone who drinks….yet....
quote from cookie76
“One last thing, I have lived in this wonderful area my whole life, and remember seeing this subject come up multiple times, but I don't remember (a) the jaycees trying to serve out there, or (b) the COMMUNITY turning it down.”
The community has turn out multiple times due to the subject coming up as you stated...interesting you remember the subject coming up but, failed to remember community members said they are AGAINST it, that is why there has been NO BEER at the CWC fair.
Better plan not needed!
It could be that the Jaycees know that their supporters enjoy a cold beer on a hot day and/or they are trying to provide what is being requested!
dean1961 The fairboard was
dean1961
The fairboard was looking for ideas to raise funds, the fair board did not request that beer be sold.
If JC spporters enjoy a cold beer on a hot day, let em serve it some place else, remember community members said they are AGAINST it, that is why there has been NO BEER at the CWC fair.
,
Someone thinks that if they
Someone thinks that if they serve beer at the fair that it is gonna end up one big slobbering drunk fest. As someone who has gone to fairs with beer gardens (including the state fair) I don't think one time I have seen someone obviously intoxicated. But I have seen fat people eating corn dogs.
State Fair
I've been going to the State Fair the past few years and have stopped and drank a cold beer many a times. Nope, haven't seen anyone staggering or puking in the trash cans. Unless they just got off or still on one of the midway rides. :(