Open Forum

It takes a community of people to build a gazebo! I would like to extend countless thank yous from the Nisswa Chamber Board of Directors and myself to all the people and businesses who made financial contributions and donated their time and materials to make this charming gazebo on Main Street a reality in 2003.

On Saturday, June 7, a dedication ceremony was held where the names of the many friends of Nisswa were acknowledged for making the gazebo happen. We listened to live music provided by Diane Saumer and Friends, speeches by Sen. Koering, Nisswa Mayor Harold Kraus, Nisswa Chamber President Scott Roesner, a historic view of Nisswa by Nisswa's 2002 Citizen of the Year Dick Carlson, and a charming, poem written and read on the steps of the gazebo by heartland poet Helen Gangesi. I personally want to thank my working committee, Sandy Hins, George Holtan and Kim Piehl who, working together since January, made the special dressing up of the gazebo look wonderful. And, recognition to Chrisa Kelley for creating a memorable "gazebo cake" for all to savor, Lakewood Bank for serving up ice cream and to the Nisswa Garden Club for their special beautification around the gazebo.

Everyone -- thank you over and over again.

Linda N. Gettelman

Executive Director

Nisswa Chamber of Commerce

It's not too late

Since the early 1950s a lot of tall tales have been spun from the corner of Highways 371 and 210. You know; how the lakes were formed by Paul's boot prints, the Dakotas were a forest until Paul got done with them, etc. Now it seem another tall tale is the donation of Paul to a non-profit group. Just think of all the years of enjoyment Paul and Babe could give to literally millions of guests and passers by at a new visitor center, but it seems not to be.

Now the concern seems to be not for the nonprofit, but for the profit.

Come on; let's be real. Concern for the 100 employees sure sounds good for the press, but these are all seasonal, low-paying jobs. Without a doubt the new department store going up on the site will have a larger payroll. These are high school/college summer cash jobs, nobody is going to end up on the street. I sure don't have anything against BIR or This Old Farm. Both are great places and real assets to the lakes area. So let's be honest about it, they are offering to buy the inventory. It's to grow Paul's already sizable wallet. Nothing wrong with that. Just be up front about it. I, for one, still hope he ends up at the visitor center. It's not too late.

Dave Torkelson

Buffalo