Jeer: Hubbard County bomb threat
In July, the Hubbard County Courthouse in Park Rapids, not far from here, shut down because of a called-in bomb threat. The courthouse and vicinity were evacuated and no devices were found. Last week, another called-in bomb threat caused evacuation of Hubbard County offices, with the same negative results of a search. Bomb scares must be investigated seriously, especially since Sept. 11, 2001. These calls are far more serious than pranks, which apparently the Hubbard County capers were. The interference and "cry wolf" capacity of spurious threats undermines the safety of all federal, state and local law enforcement response teams.
Cheer: Parks steward
Since 1971, when Dan Haluptzok took a job with the city of Bemidji, he has been shepherding the parks for the gem city on the Mississippi toward ever greater beautification. Originally hired as recreation director, Haluptzok assumed responsibilities as parks director in the 1980s. Projects he has led include the 1987 renovation of the Neilson-Reise Arena, improvements to city parks, including the soon-to-be-realized renovations and enhancements of Diamond Point Park, as Bemidji's premiere park attraction.
Cheer: Teacher honored
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Kim Goodwin, a Bemidji School District teacher of physical education for children with special needs, was honored by the Minnesota Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance with the 2007 Developmental Adapted Physical Education teacher of the year award. Goodwin has taught Bemidji students with special needs for more than 20 years.
Cheer: Job well done
Gloria Bannor, who started working at Bemidji State University when she was 16, retired last week after 48 years working at various positions at BSU. Her most recent position was as BSU athletic equipment manager. That's a long stride from cleaning dorm rooms where Bannor started in 1959.
