He was born Dec. 13, 1950 in Lansing, Iowa, to Robert R. and Alvina (Protsman) Yohe, Sr. At the age of five, Bob’s family moved from Lansing to rural Caledonia. Bob attended schools in Caledonia. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served active duty in Vietnam from 1968 until 1971. During his tour of duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, M-14 Sharpshooter Medal and the Purple Heart. On May 6, 1972, Bob married Karren Knutson in West Salem, Wis., and she preceded him in death on April 1, 2008. Bob farmed the home farm with his brother, Jim, in Sheldon Township until his declining health forced him to retire in 2011. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially playing cards or various board games. Bob was an avid New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers fan.

Survivors include one daughter, Laura Yohe (fiancé, David Beck), Winona, Minn.; one son, David Yohe, Caledonia; one sister, Gloria (Jim) Robinson, Maxwell, Neb.; two brothers, Spencer Yohe, Eitzen, Minn. and James (Lynnette) Yohe, rural Houston, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Roseann; and one sister-in-law, Deb.

Memorial services will be Friday, May 24, 2013, at 12 noon, at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, Minn. Pastor Larry Mahlum will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

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Weary lawmakers quit the State Capitol shortly after midnight on Monday (May 20) after setting a two-year, $38 billion state budget.

“I think it worked extraordinarily well for Minnesota,” Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton said of DFL control of state government.

Final pieces of the five-month session slipped into place in the waning hours with lawmakers passing a tax-the-rich style $2 billion tax increase bill and a $177 million bonding bill that slates $109 million to State Capitol restoration.

“I think it was propitious,” Rep. Jerry Newton, DFL-Coon Rapids, said of the water that seeped into the State Capitol tunnel over the stormy weekend.

Hours earlier an $800 million bonding bill had crashed on the House floor, and Newton believes the seeping water served as a damp reminder of unfinished work on the Capitol building.

Dayton would have liked to have seen the House bonding bill signed into law.

“I don’t get all I want. Nobody does,” he said sagely.

The 2013 session was touched by history, and made it.

The Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre had lawmakers examining gun control. But many Greater Minnesota Democrats, as well as Republicans, were wary of universal background checks, closing perceived gun-show loopholes, and legislative leaders scuttled the initiative late in the session .

But history took place at the State Capitol over a series of days in May that saw House and Senate, in some of the most powerful, emotional, and controversial debate in years, pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

“I think the enormity of this (marriage) bill cannot be overstated,” Dayton said at the time.

Five Republicans, including Sen. Branden Petersen of Andover and Representatives Pat Garofalo of Farmington and  Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie,  joined Democrats in making Minnesota the 12th state, effective Aug. 1, in which same-sex couples can legally marry.

Six thousand people witnessed Dayton sign the marriage legislation into law on a sunny, hot afternoon outside the State Capitol.

“How will Minnesota react to this? — I don’t know,” House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said.

“It is what it is,” he said of the divisive issue.

“Frankly, we’re more concerned about what is going to happen to Minnesota’s economy,” Daudt said.

But it wasn’t the marriage bill but legislation regarding possible child care and personal care attendant unionization that monopolized House and Senate floor debate.

Senate Republicans debated the bill 17 hours, while House Republicans, mindful of their Senate colleagues robust efforts, armed themselves with about 120 amendments and sporadically debated the legislation over several days.

Passage of the emotionally-charged bill had a few House Republicans shouting insults at House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, as cheers erupted from union activists in the House gallery.

Democrats are even-toned.

“All I did was vote to allow them (child care providers and personal care attendants) to hold a vote,” Rep. John Benson, DFL-Minnetonka, said. “And if the opposition is as strong as they (opponents) say it is, they’ll never have a union,” he said.

One issue of great importance to business, a proposed minimum wage increase, was set aside by legislative leaders.

House Democrats proposed increasing the state minimum wage about $2 higher than Senate Democrats did.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, expects lawmakers to take up the minimum wage next session.

He spoke of simply running out time this session.

Thissen called the delay a “shame.”

Another issue scheduled to resurface when lawmakers return to the State Capitol on Feb. 25 — at least in the mind of Bakk — is the sales-tax expansion contained in the tax bill.

“Sales-tax reform is really hard,” Bakk said, appearing with Dayton, Thissen, and other legislative at the State Capitol on Tuesday (May 21) morning.

Lawmakers will continue to explore the provision extending the state sales tax to warehousing, Bakk said. They’ll learn more about the extension, which does not go into effect until April, 2014, over upcoming months, he said.

The tax bill contains “glitches,” Bakk said. Specifically, he pointed to the expansion of the state sales tax to maintenance work on farm machinery.

“We got one little clinker in there,” he said.

But Democratic leaders, rather than shying away from the tax bill, embrace it.

Dayton called the $1 billion tax increase on the wealthy, upper two percent of tax filers a “progressive tax increase.” He heralded the $2 billion in tax increases as bolstering education, providing property tax relief and providing other boosts to the middle class.

“It’s what government should be doing,” Dayton said.

But Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, lead Republican on the House Tax Committee, appraised things differently.

“This session was a disaster for the taxpayers of Minnesota,” he said.

Davids styled the new fourth-tier income tax rate as “punishing success.”

Even smokers got hit with new taxes, Davids said.

But Rep. Sandra Masin, DFL-Eagan, looks at the $485 million in new spending in E-12 education and $250 million in higher education as meeting needs.

“I think we exceeded expectations in investments in education. In my area, that’s (education funding) really, really important,” she said.

One initiative Democrats look to developing over upcoming months is transportation.

Dayton and other Democrats speak of fostering public dialogue over the future of transportation, and making clear the benefits the public can expect if agreeable to transportation tax increases.

Transportation-funding advocates express frustration.

“Without new funding from the Legislature, hundreds of miles of critical road, bridge and transit projects will not be built, upgraded, or expanded,” said Mike Sheehan, co-chair of Progress in Motion, in a press release.

In general, Democrats and Republicans treated each other congenially this past session.

“It’s tough to be in the minority,” Daudt said.

“All in all, I think we ended here on a respectful note. And I think that’s important,” he said.

As Daudt stood on the House floor after close of session, Democrats walked by and shook hands.

Tim Budig can be reached at tim.budig@ecm-inc.com

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A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Sat. May 25, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Interment of her ashes will be at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia and a lunch will follow in Holy Family Hall. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:30 a.m. before the service at the church.

Memorials may be given to Viterbo University, c/o Julia Myhre Scholarship, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601.

McCormick Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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The official start to the grilling season and al fresco summer dining has finally arrived! And while we plant our gardens and await the farmer’s market stands full of fresh local produce that will later comprise the lion’s share of easy summer eating, we might be in need of a treat. Summer is not, after all, without its indulgences.

Aside from ice cream, the popular choices for summertime treats tend to be fried, as any state fair or boardwalk patron will attest. And, quite honestly, the burgers at all those backyard barbeques get a little lonely without their sidekick of fries. So, here’s a primer on how to make perfect, top-notch restaurant-quality French fries at home. As a bonus, if you take the time to make a big batch, you can have homemade frozen fries at-the-ready whenever the mood for grilling should strike.

Although this is not a quick method, it is easy, which is an important distinction. It can also be accomplished in stages, so no one step requires a long time commitment. So why not stash some perfectly cooked potatoes away in the freezer? Whether they later enhance grilled steak as pommes frites, make your burgers happy to have their fries, or if you just get a craving for them all on their own, these will be the best French-fried potatoes you have all summer.

Perfect French Fries

Russet, or other type of baking potatoes

canola oil for frying

salt

Choose several baking potatoes of relatively consistent circumference. (If your potatoes are lumpy, or irregular in shape you’ll have more scraps.) Cut off the ends of each potato, then trim the sides, making a rectangle. Save the scraps for another use, if desired. Much of the peel will be removed by this process, but use a vegetable peeler to remove the rest as necessary. Cut the rectangles into evenly sized fries, about ¼ or ½-inch thick.

Place the potatoes into a large pot of cold, heavily salted water. Bring the kettle just up to a boil, watching closely. You’ll want to remove the fries just as the first large bubbles appear. The fries will be cooked, but still firm. Drain and run under cool water.

Spread the potatoes out onto a large cooling rack or rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until all surfaces are thoroughly dry and a bit leathery. You can speed the drying process in a cool convection oven, if desired.

Fill a deep fryer to the recommended level of oil or use a large kettle with high sides. It should be large enough that the kettle is only half-filled by 1 ½ to 2 quarts of oil. You can fry in a smaller pan with less oil, but you’ll have to reduce the batch size accordingly. Heat the oil to 325 degrees. Fry the potatoes until a crust forms, but they should remain pale, up to 10 minutes.

Shake out the oil and place them onto a parchment-lined tray.

To eat them right away: Let rest at least 10 minutes and fry them again at 375 degrees until golden and crispy, just a few minutes more. Drain, sprinkle with salt and enjoy.

To freeze them for later: Place the tray of once-fried potatoes in the freezer until frozen solid, then remove the fries to a storage bag or container. When you want to serve them, bake at 425 degrees in a single layer for 25-30 minutes, or until golden, turning as necessary. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.

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Caledonia Argus

Caledonia’s Memorial Day celebration will honor those who sacrificed everything for their country, as it has in the past, but this year will also feature a veterans choir composed of only those who served.

Under the direction of Jacolyn Mechtel, three pieces will be performed during the Monday morning program, which begins at 9:30 a.m. May 27.

Mechtel, a self-described Army brat, said she was approached by David Klinski on conducting the choir.

“He was looking for some activity that could involve all veterans in the area,” Mechtel said. “Music is an important part of the Armed Services and he said he felt a choir would be a really purposeful way to get all veterans involved.”

Together the two decided 15 participants would be a good goal  in terms of making sure the effort got off the ground. The group solidified with 28, and they began rehearsing each Sunday evening for an hour and half in April.

“They have been so enthusiastic, committed and hard-working – what a heroic thing these veterans are doing to put themselves out there like that. All of these veterans have gotten outside their comfort zone. I give them all the credit in the world.”

The music selection includes “Tell My Father,” “In Flanders Fields” and “Song for the Unsung Hero,” selections Mechtel said reflect the spirit of what veterans experienced in service.

“It’s going to be full of home-spun artistry and heartfelt communication to the audience. I’m very proud of them,” Mechtel said.

The program will begin with the presentation of the colors and will be followed with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.

An invocation by Sr. Michaeline Healy will be provided as well as a selection titled “Armed Forces Salute” by the Caledonia Area High School Band.

The guest speaker is Jon Wolff, a local pastor and Army veteran.

Lindsay Mackie will provide an introduction to “In Flanders Field,”  and awards will be given to the following individuals:

• Loveless-Eikens Post 191 American Legion Scholarship – Irene Abbott, Vanessa Rud and Alex Varney

• American Legion Citizenship Award – Collin Coffield

• Loveless-Eikens Post 191 American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship – Levi Schmitz and Alex Varney

• American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship Award – Angela Augedahl

• Sons of the American Legion Squadron 191 Scholarship – Alex Varney

The ceremony will conclude with a placing of a wreath, benediction, firing squad and taps.

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Caledonia Argus

A new family aquatic center will be built in Caledonia. Member sof the Save Our Swimming pool committee attended the May 13 Caledonia City Council meeting to announce they had reached the $1.2 million goal necessary for the council to purchase the plans for the new pool from USAquatics.

Joanne Zard, committee member, addressed the council and gave an update on the fundraising process that began three years ago. Zard said that of the $1.2 million in pledges, a little over $400,000 has been paid.

City Administrator Ted Schoonover informed the council the engineering aspects of the project would need to be opened to bids, but the plans could be purchased from USAquatics because they were already chosen as the most logical company for plan designs.

Councilmember DeWayne Schroeder raised some concern about building the new pool using any of the old pool’s footprint.

“If you’re going to spend $1.7 million, might as well redo the whole thing instead of patching it up.”

Schroeder said he believed it was impossible to use any of the old structure, since it was too old to be practical. In addition, he said he was concerned that not enough upfront cash was available to begin the project.

“I am not against this, but if money isn’t there when the bills start coming, we’re strapped for cash already,” Schroeder said.

The SOS group was not overly devoted to keeping segments of the original pool, but they were anxious to move forward with the project. Zard reminded council members  they had already planned to infuse the project with up to $400,000. Several other donors had expressed plans to donate once the council had purchased the pool plans.

“We know we’re not done yet,” Zard said.

Mayor Robert Burns chose to honor the city’s agreement and made a motion to purchase the plans from USAquatics with the condition that the issues brought up by Schroeder would get addressed and the project would be done in phases to ensure the council could keep track of costs. The council unanimously approved the motion.

Electrical 

The council agreed to have a rate study performed on the city’s electrical use following a 3.1 percent rise in electrical rates. Councilmember Tom Murphy took issue with the rate increase.

“I am starting my fifth year on the council and we’ve had a rate increase every year,” he said.

Murphy pointed out that the previous year Tri-County Electric gave out a significant amount in refunds. Murphy wanted to know why a rate increase was necessary if the company’s profits continued to increase. He suggested having a meeting the Tri-County to explain the increase.

Later in the meeting, city electrician Matt Blocker brought a series of items to the council, beginning with quotes for ballpark lighting. The quote included the prices for wood and steel poles. The quotes did not include the cost of installation. According to Blocker, the city will need two 70-foot poles and six 80-foot poles. The council took no action on the matter.

Next, Blocker requested the city get quotes for equipment to fix a problem with a service panel on West Main Street and North Decorah. An issue with a breaker is causing power loss in a four-block area. The stop lights on Kingston went down twice in the past few months as a result. Blocker estimated the cost would between $300 and $400. The council authorized seeking quotes to fix the problem.

Third, the council discussed at length the need to purchase an excavator and construction equipment. The John Deere 27D mini-excavator was quoted at $30,000 and budgeted for 2013. Mayor Burns asked if Caledonia would use an excavator enough to warrant its purchase. Blocker estimated that he put 30 to 40 hours on a contractor’s excavator last summer.

“Once you get it and start using it, you’ll find other uses for it,” Blocker said. Another piece of construction equipment was also budgeted for 2013 but would have to be purchased new because few of these machines are put on the market as used. However, the council discussed trading equipment along with the purchase. Blocker warned the cost of these machines would increase next year. The council tabled the issue until the next meeting.

Last, Blocker informed the council Karian Peterson would start on the 2013 electrical project the first week in July rather than in June as originally stated due to weather delays on other projects.

Open burning

The council discussed an ordinance amending provisions for opening burning in the city of Caledonia. Schoonover estimated that in the past week, 20 individuals asked about having a fire within city limits. Murphy was against having recreational fires within Caledonia, citing the disturbance caused by smoke and noise.

Administrative Coordinator Mike Gerardy said Caledonia’s current ordinance does prohibit recreational burning. Schoonover said the ordinance has simply not been enforced.

The council chose to table the issue to give the city attorney a chance to review the proposed ordinance. All changes to the ordinance are subject to a public hearing.

Property line dispute

Andy and Sheri Allen returned to the council asking that another citation be submitted to Dean Foltz for violation of the zoning ordinance. The Allens have argued that Foltz has encroached on their land by building a retaining wall. The council cited Foltz for the violation back in November.

Andy Allen said that the original citation was thrown out by the judge as Foltz planned to go after the land through adverse possession; however, Foltz has to follow through. The Allens were requesting the citation to prevent losing their property through adverse possession. “We have to continue to have this dispute be ongoing because, of all of sudden, he will have our land because we let it go,” Sheri Allen said.

Councilmember DeWayne Schroeder made the motion to go ahead with another citation, which passed.

Water/waste water resignation

Water Department employee Ryan Skillings submitted a letter of resignation, effective May 23, which was accepted by the council with thanks for his work.

Following this resignation, the city of Caledonia is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of water/waste water operator. Schoonover has been in contact with an individual with a B level water license who is willing to take the position with the long-range goal of being a full-time employee of the city.

Schoonover said that with difficulties of finding an employee with an “A class” license, the city needed take advantage of every opportunity, pointing out that the new employee hired during the past council meeting will not be eligible for an A license for another eight years.

In other news

• The council authorized repairs to the Bissen Street lift station at a cost of $2,594.93.

• A public hearing on Miles Esch alley vacation is set for June 10.

• The council hired Trisha Schmitz as a part-time liquor store clerk.

• Murphy recommended replacing the tree in front of City Hall with a white oak and suggested planting additional white oaks along the highway. Murphy wanted to plant white oaks to recognize Staggemeyer Stave Mill as a local industry.

• The council plans to meet with Caledonia Township Ambulance Association on May 29 at the Back 40 Supper Club.

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Caledonia fourth graders participated in the seventh annual joint Fillmore and Houston County Farm Safety Day Camp May 14 and hopped from station to station learning about everything from ATV safety to grain drowning.
~ Brady Ambrose

The seventh joint Fillmore/Houston County fourth grade Farm Safety Day Camp was held Tuesday, May 14 at the Mabel Steam Engine Grounds. The event attracted 455 students, representing 13 schools in the two counties.

During the day, students heard presentations on basic first aid, fire extinguishers, calling 911, lawn mower safety, ATV safety, tractor rollovers, livestock safety, general farm safety, danger of grain drowning, sun safety, using seat belts, electrical safety and PTO safety. MedLink Air from Gundersen Lutheran, working with the Mabel Ambulance crew, also held a presentation in the morning.

The Fillmore County Pork Producers served lunch to nearly 600 people. In addition to the fourth grade students, there were teachers, volunteer presenters and FFA members.

The lunch included pulled pork; white and chocolate milk provided by the Fillmore County ADA, Houston DHIA, Fillmore County DHIA and Houston County ADA; the Rushford, Preston and Harmony IGAs provided chips; and bananas came from Kwik Trip.

The Mabel-Canton, Spring Grove, Fillmore Central, Rushford-Peterson and Caledonia FFA members served as group leaders, assisted presenters, did presentations and provided many other valuable services. Each student received two farm safety books to take home. Generation X Construction and the Lanesboro Sales Commission help fund t-shirts for each student and FFA members.

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Water samples from the popular Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, shown here in October 2012, contained caffeine, a component of plastic, an antibacterial soap ingredient, an antibiotic used on swine, a breakdown product of cocaine, an antidepressant, a fungicide and a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease, according to one of two Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports released May 13.
~ Kate Golden/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

By Kate Golden

Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Minnesota researchers found 56 chemicals — including cocaine — in the state’s waters, according to two studies released Monday, May 13 that raise questions about potential impacts on wildlife and human health.

The chemicals were detected at trace amounts in 47 of 50 Minnesota lakes, including many in relatively pristine parts of the state.

Some of the most troubling chemicals are thought to be endocrine disruptors, which can block or act like hormones in people and wildlife. They are used in pharmaceuticals, personal care products and industrial processes, but are largely unregulated.

Cocaine, to the surprise of researchers, turned up in samples from a third of the state’s lakes. Another surprisingly common find was an antibiotic approved for use only on swine.

Along with Minnesota’s past work, the studies “suggest that PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products) and endocrine active chemicals are widespread in lakes and rivers, and that fish are likely altered on genetic, cellular, organism and population levels when exposed to the chemicals that find their way into surface water from a variety of sources,” wrote Mark Ferrey, the Pollution Control Agency researcher who conducted the two studies.

Former Wisconsin DNR secretary George Meyer said the tests show that Wisconsin, which has not conducted similar studies on this scale, needs to develop a plan to figure out what’s in its water.

“I think we should thank Minnesota for bringing some light to this issue,” said Melissa Malott, water program director of Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy group. “It doesn’t in any way change my opinion that we should be doing something about this in Wisconsin.”

Minnesota has one of the nation’s most ambitious state-level testing programs for unregulated contaminants in surface waters.

The Minnesota agency’s statement did not speculate on potential human effects, which were beyond the scope of the study.

Experts say fish are more vulnerable to surface water pollution than people because they live in  water, so they get more exposure. Previous Minnesota studies have documented endocrine disruption in fish from the Mississippi River and other contaminated waters.

But the chemicals are of growing concern to people, too: A United Nations report in February noted the rise in endocrine-related disorders like cancer, obesity, early puberty and infertility and identified widespread pollution as a “global threat” to wildlife and people.

Science on chemicals’ presence in the environment has exploded since a landmark 2002 U.S. Geological Survey study found them widespread in streams and groundwater susceptible to contamination.

But much of the science so far has focused on waters assumed to be polluted, like those receiving wastewater treatment plant effluent, while the waters in the two new Minnesota studies were chosen randomly. The studies also were unusual for the large number of samples, which can produce more statistically robust results.

“This study shows these compounds are out there, and that gives more supporting evidence that you should do these studies in other states,” said Dana Kolpin, the USGS scientist who led the 2002 study. “It wouldn’t be a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Questions remained, Kolpin said, about how septic systems, recreational water use, wastewater treatment plants and other sources each contributed to contamination.

Ferrey agreed and said that was the next step.

“Will we see correlations between land use and the appearance of the chemicals that we detected in these lakes or rivers?” Ferrey said. “We just haven’t done that kind of analysis yet.”

Funding

A Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism report published in April found that Wisconsin’s research on endocrine disruptors is poorly funded and loosely coordinated.

A January 2012 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources document identified pharmaceuticals and personal care products in surface waters as a concern due to their potential connection with the intersex fish that have been found in the Great Lakes and elsewhere.

“In an effort to be proactive and protective of humans and wildlife, Wisconsin should consider developing water quality standards for these pharmaceutical byproducts,” the report said, and noted that DNR needed more monitoring data “to determine the scale of this potential problem.”

Susan Sylvester, head of the DNR’s surface water bureau, said Monday she was “impressed” with the Minnesota report. And she agreed with Meyer that contamination in Wisconsin’s waters was likely similar.

“We think it’s out there,” Sylvester said. “But I don’t have a budget for monitoring for these chemicals right now.”

Minnesota’s work, which cost $250,000 just for the tests, was funded in part by the EPA as well as a voter-approved sales tax that pours millions into a Clean Water Fund each year. The Pollution Control Agency has spent $1.8 million on endocrine disruptors research since 2008. The U.S. Geological Survey helped fund previous studies.

What’s in the lakes

The most commonly detected chemical was the insect repellent DEET, found in 76 percent of the lakes. That was expected and similar to earlier, smaller studies.

DEET’s effects on the environment at the concentrations found are “not known,” the report said.

Carbadox, an antibiotic approved for use only on swine, was in 28 percent of the lakes.

Minnesota has plenty of pigs, ranking third in hog production nationwide, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (Wisconsin ranks 18th.)

But many of the carbadox detections were nowhere near swine or other livestock facilities, which the report called “perplexing.”

“Whether this indicates that carbadox is being used for off-label purposes or if it is transported to lakes through unknown mechanisms is not clear,” the report said, adding that carbadox, a carcinogen, is banned in Canada and the European Union.

Potential endocrine disruptors found in Minnesota waters included:

• Bisphenol A (BPA), a component of plastic, in 43 percent of the lakes. BPA has been banned in sippy cups and baby bottles. It was originally developed as an estrogen.

• Nonylphenol, a byproduct of commonly used surfactants that acts like estrogen on lab animals, in 10 percent of the lakes.

• The hormone androstenedione, a precursor to estrogen and testosterone that is sometimes taken as a hormone supplement known as “andro,” in 30 percent of the lakes.

• Triclosan, a common disinfectant often found in antibacterial hand soaps, in 14 percent of the lakes. It has been found to break down into dioxins in surface waters; they can be highly toxic at tiny concentrations.

Antidepressants were commonly found in lakes, streams and rivers at concentrations that can change fish reproductive and predator-response behaviors. The most common was amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant or TCA whose brand names include Amitid, Elavil and Endep.

A third of the stream and river samples contained methyl parabens, preservatives used in food and cosmetics. Parabens are “not considered toxic, but are reportedly weakly estrogenic,” according to the study.

Concern about trace amounts

Cocaine just happened to be part of a broader suite of chemicals that were analyzed — but the illicit drug turned up in samples from a third of the state’s lakes.

There wasn’t enough cocaine in the water to get anyone high.

Most chemicals were detected at exceedingly low concentrations — in the low parts per trillion. One part per trillion is about a drop in 20 Olympic swimming pools. The most cocaine, for example, was found at 5.3 parts per trillion, in Norway Lake, about 100 miles west of Minneapolis.

These amounts may seem too small to be worrisome, but a growing body of research suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be potent at such concentrations. In 2007, Canadian researcher Karen Kidd showed that adding a common contraceptive at five parts per trillion caused the minnow population of a lake to collapse.

Cocaine’s source a mystery

It is still unclear how the chemicals got into the waters, Ferrey wrote, as well as whether they persist and accumulate in the environment.

Most are manmade, though some of the hormones are produced by wildlife. Wastewater treatment plants are “undoubtedly” one of the sources, the study said, “but this study suggests that there are other sources of these chemicals to our lake environment that are difficult to pinpoint or quantify.”

Shoreline residences are a likely source for many of the lakes, the study said.

European researchers have found cocaine recently in air and surface waters. United States researchers have done less on the topic but have found cocaine in sewage and biosolids or waters influenced by wastewater treatment plants, the report said.

The Minnesota report, apparently for the first time, found the drug in lakes that weren’t associated with wastewater treatment plants — or even public access.

That suggested an indirect route, the study said.

Ferrey hypothesized, from analyzing the ratio of cocaine to its metabolite — a chemical into which it degrades — that it came from people smoking crack cocaine or inhaling the powdered drug, and had been transported through the air via tiny particulate matter. European researchers earlier found cocaine in airborne particulates in urban environments.

Cocaine’s environmental effects are not well understood. It has been shown to accumulate in eels’ tissue and affect their endocrine systems at concentrations similar to those found in Minnesota lakes, and its breakdown product caused “notable adverse effects” in freshwater mussels at higher concentrations.

That concerned Melissa Malott, water program director of Clean Wisconsin, who noted that freshwater mussels are an important part of ecosystems.

“It makes you think about how do all these chemicals interact with each other, and how do they interact with other chemicals in the environment, like nutrients?”  she said. “It’s pretty scary.”

This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism, the Fund for Environmental Journalism and The Joyce Foundation. The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.

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Caledonia Argus

Results from the April 25 Houston County Board of Adjustment and Plan Commission meeting are in. One conditional use permit and two variances were approved, as were nine zoning permits. The requests were finalized by the Houston County Board on May 14.

The conditional use application came from Gordon Meyer of Mayville Township, who asked to build a house on less than 40 acres in an agriculture district.

Zoning Director Bob Scanlan said the request did not garner any negative feedback and that three stipulations were recommended on the project, including:

• All federal, state and local permits must be obtained

• Septic design be submitted to the county

• The highway engineer approves the new access off County Road 3.

The item passed without issue.

A variance from Andy Luttchens of Jefferson Township was requested so he may build an addition on his existing home with a variance of 36 feet to meet the 50 foot setback from the south property. It, too, met no objection.

Finally, Matt and Pam Hendel of Caledonia Township presented a variance request to expand their feedlot with a variance of 776 feet to meet the required 1,320 foot setback from an existing house. The couple wishes to update some of their agricultural facilities and simultaneously expand their dairy heifer operation from 125 animal units to 210 animal units with the construction of a new free stall barn.

This request was received positively as well.

Nine zoning permits were also granted – please see chart.

Houston County April Zoning Permits

Tim and Tammy Boldt – Houston Township, build house, garage and deck

Peter and Jessica Wiese – Caledonia Township, build house, garage and deck

David Kinstler – Union Township, build house, garage and porch

Theodore and Sarah Johnson – Hokah Township, build house and deck

James Douglas Thompson – Mound Prairie Township, build house and garage

Doug and Jan Moen –  Caledonia Township, enclose area below second story deck for storage room

Ken Witt – Houston Township, build pole shed

William Gerdes – Caledonia Township, build pole barn for calves – no expansion

Denis Mullen – Brownsville Township, replace garage due to fire in same location

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Caledonia Argus

County facilities continue to draw the attention of the Houston County Board. Both the historical jail and highway department shop were discussed May 14.

The board unanimously agreed to enter into a contract for $3,500 with Robert Vogel from Pathfinder Cultural Resource Management to “Develop a preservation plan for the historic jail property that would provide the basis for future grant-financed studies.”

This represents what Vogel described as the “initial step” toward a sustained effort to find a compatible use for the jail building that requires minimal alternation of its architectural features.

The plan will allow the county to apply for grants to fund additional research moving forward.

Vogel said, “If you authorize the preservation plan, I can have results in time for the county to apply for the legacy grants.”

He said if the county decided to sit back a little longer, they would have to wait a biennium (two-year state budget cycle) to apply for any grants.

“If you don’t que up, you wait another two years,” Vogel said.

Commissioner Teresa Walter supported the proposal and said, “I think we need to proceed.”

The board gave the project a nod, and Vogel said he’d be back the first part of June with his report.

Future studies are likely, but this sets in motion the ability to have those studies paid for.

Highway shop

Numbers are not yet in on OSHA-regulated improvements that need to take place at the county highway shop in Caledonia, and the board is growing anxious over the structure’s future.

“I think we need to get going on this. I hate wasting money that’s going nowhere with a repair here and there,” Commissioner Judy Storlie said after Commissioner Steve Schuldt said repair costs were not yet available.

“It’s going to take a little more time,” Schuldt said.

“I think we need cost analysis done and options. We are spending a little bit here and there,” Walter said.

Schuldt said the best thing the board could do was give the county engineer, Brian Pogodzinski, some direction on the matter.

The idea of building a new facility or retrofitting the existing building for today’s needs have been tossed around. A presentation was also heard in mid-April over the cost of building new, but no concrete action as been taken.

The board agreed to have Pogodzinski prepare options for the board’s review.

Storlie further pushed the issue by asking about bonding, since rates are at an all time low.

Commissioner Justin Zmyewski said  he would not be in favor of bonding for a project and said $600,000 has been set aside to develop a solution.

The issue will undoubtedly be back on the agenda at future meetings.

In other news

The board also entertained several brief but nonetheless important matters.

• The board approved the resignation of Gary Bolstad, engineer supervisor and county highway department employee, effective Aug. 1. Bolstad came on board in 2009 and was paramount in helping the county recover from flood problems sustained in 2008.

“He will be dearly missed, and we’ve been fortunate to have him around,” Pogodzinski said.

In similar action the board approved posting Bolstad’s position with a hire date on or before July 22.

“We’d like to have that person work with Gary before he’s gone. We need that consistency and hand off on current projects from the incumbent,” Human Resources Director Tess Arrick-Kruger said.

• The board also approved a change in employment status from probationary to regular for Chelsea Senn, social worker, effective June 5.

“She’s doing a wonderful job, and we’re really glad to have her on board,” said Linda Bahr, director of  Human Services.

• Resident Marilyn Frauenkron Bayer  asked the board to take a look at the potential long-term effects of frac sand mining before passing any ordinances regulating the industry during the public comment portion of the meeting. The topic continues to draw a lot of  attention, mostly during that portion of the meeting.

Frauenkron Bayer said her great-great-grandfather moved to the area after the Civil War, and her lineage has maintained ties with the land ever since.

“We do not want what has happened in western Wisconsin, without proper regulations of the frac sand industry, to happen here in Houston County,” she said.

Zmyewski said the board is currently awaiting word from land-use attorney Jay Squires before proceeding forward. He is not expected to have information until June.

• Finally, county Finance Director Carol Lapham updated the board on this year’s budget with “no surprises.”

She said the board will want to look at the jail’s budget and Public Health budget in relation to salaries in the coming weeks to make sure “things are lining up.”

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Emma Craig

Emma Craig, a middle schooler in Caledonia, received special recognition from the 29th annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Roadsides Are for the Birds” poster contest.

Craig was bestowed the best pen/pencil award.

Seventh and eighth grade students from across the state participated in the program, which draws attenion to an important wildlife issue.

“The purpose of the contest,” said Carmelita Nelson, DNR prairie grassland coordinator at St. Paul, “is to help increase awareness of the growing importance of roadsides for wildlife, particularly for ground nesting birds. As wildlife habitat continues to disappear, roadsides nesting habitat is becoming more critical.”

Roadsides can provide bird-nesting habitat if mowing and other roadside disturbances are delayed until after the nesting season, usually around Aug. 1.

Bernadette Ruegemer of St. Robert Bellarmine Academy, Zach Coughlin of Proctor Middle School and Hannah Voight of Rocori Middle School were selected as first prize winners. Students from 14 schools entered works in this year’s contest.

Special recognition awards in the contest went to Craig, as well as:

Bernadette Ruegemer of St Robert Bellarmine Academy in St Cloud for biological accuracy.

Katarina Wilke of Rocori Middle School in Cold Spring for expression of theme.

Zach Coughlin of Proctor Middle School in Proctor for creative use of material.

Jayden Strand of Lynd Public School in Lynd for humor.

The Staff’s Choice Award went to Rhiannon Markegard of Lynd Public School.

Prizes and contributions for the contest were donated by Wildlife Heritage Association; Minnesota Pheasants, Inc.-Steele County; Pheasants Forever; Minnesota Waterfowl Association; National Camera Exchange, Golden Valley; and the DNR Roadsides Program. Ross Frame Shop and Universal Framing, both of Minneapolis, and The Frame Gallery of New Ulm, donated framing of the posters.

The three first prize winners will also have their work displayed during the Minnesota State Fair in the DNR building. Works of the top 40 prize winners will be displayed at the Minnesota Deer Classic and Sports Show at the new location in the National Sports Center in Blaine, March 7 through 9, 2014.

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