Open Forum

High school has opened my eyes to the kind of life I don't want to live; one based on the sensual.

I have come to a realization in the last three years that will guide me through the rest of my life. That realization is that human nature is based solely on sensuality.

For the last three years I have been surrounded by those that find humor in watching friends binge drink, those that find pleasure in sharing their body with several people a year, and those who find joy in coming to class high.

These are facts. Yes, these facts tear at the heart, I feel bad

for the people that live day to day on what gives their body pleasure. What happened to being "high" on life?

It wasn't always like this. I remember the days on the playground when a homerun in kickball made the rest of the day more enjoyable. Or in middle school when that "A" on the toughest spelling test of the year put you on top of the world.

"Yeah, but high school is different." Is it? Does high school

not house teachers? Do teachers not educate?

The only excuse for this change of behavior is that fact that many have resorted to the ways of our primitive ancestors, "it feels good, why not do it."

"Wake up," is what I want to shout through the halls of BHS.

Wake up to a world around you that is full of people, who love you, things that can bring you joy with out harm, and a higher power that surrounds your broken lifestyle.

I believe there is a path for everyone and along that path there are dark and light places. I pray that my fellow graduates who are stumbling through darkness will soon walk in the light. Good luck to all of you!

Misty Coit

Merrifield

Nisswa traffic

Well over two years ago, the City of Nisswa embarked on a comprehensive study of the traffic issues facing the City. Over 40 Nisswa residents participated in the Transportation Action Model under the direction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Traffic problems were identified and prioritized, and solutions were proposed. One of the most serious problems noted was the intersection of Main Street and Highway 371, where an average of eight crashes occur each year.

I am pleased to report that a major renovation of the intersection has now been completed. While it is not the total reconstruction that we had hoped for, it does include stoplights, pedestrian crosswalks, warning signals, a turn lane, and new street lights. Also included in the project are a reconstructed parking lot, two bike racks and ample signage to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The project was funded jointly by MNDot, Crow Wing County and the City of Nisswa, and the spirit of cooperation between the entities was outstanding from the outset. We want to express our gratitude to MNDot, the Crow Wing County Commissioners and Highway Engineer Duane Blanck, Widseth-Smith-Nolting Engineering, Holden Electric, Anderson Brothers, downtown businesses and the driving public for making this project go so smoothly. Nisswa will be a safer place now that it is competed!

Wayne R. Van Vliet

Nisswa City Administrator

Hats off to BAY

Last week there was an announcement made with very little fanfare but in my opinion it is quite substantial. I would like to congratulate BAY Ministries on winning a national award through a national publication.

There was a brief paragraph on the church page about a national award given to BAY. Out of curiosity I did some investigative work to see what it was all about. Group magazine is a national publication for professional and volunteer youth workers. They conducted a contest asking youth workers what their biggest dream for ministry would be. Youth leader Vicki Foss of First Lutheran registered by telling Group who and what BAY was all about.

I think the uniqueness of this network caught their attention. Out of hundreds of ministries considered, our own BAY Ministries won the award! While there is some financial aid in it for BAY I think we, as a community should stand and applaud this outstanding group of civic servants. My own two teen- age daughters have been blessed over and over by the ministry of this organization. They enjoy attending the concerts and love the rallies. So congratulations and thank you to BAY's director, Pastor Dale Kuglin for the hard work of coordinating this network of youth ministries. The church my family attends is small and does not have a full-time youth worker. Because of BAy our teens have the opportunity to be ministered to on a level that would not otherwise be possible. Thanks BAY, we are proud of you.

Richard Anderson

Brainerd