Minnesota Matters

Minnesota Deer Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:03:00 +0000

Everyone remembers their first time shooting a Buck. Please share your stories and pictures of your first Deer.

I shot my first Deer in November of 2004. We were hunting private land in Pine County, MN and it was freezing outside. Swede and I were stand hunting and after sitting for about 2 hours in 12 degree weather, I was frozen. I hadn't seen nor heard a thing except for the farmers donkey, when i heard that " Snap". I looked behind me and there was a nice 9pt just walking along, smelling the rut, without a care in the world.

I slowly turned, raised my 30.06 and fired.....CLICK! My rifle misfired, so i quickly rechambered my bolt action, raised my rifle and ClICK!...Another misfire. This happened 2 more times, before I had to completely reload my rifle. Surprising, the Deer didn't even noticed me. It continued to slowly walk, it's nose to the earth, completely oblivious to my frantic attempts to get my damn gun to fire.

So, now i have reloaded my rifle and sure enough, I cant see the deer anywhere. Looking through my scope, I final catch a glimspe of its tail through the woods. My first shot misses and yet the deer doesnt run. I reload and fire again....BANG and the Deer disappears.

At this point, I am crushed as I figured there was no way that I had hit the deer. I climb down from my stand and walk in the general direction of where I think the deer was standing. As I approach, I see it laying on the ground...No blood nothing...I had hit it in the spine and dropped it where it stood. The Deer never knew what hit it

MINNESOTA BRIDGE DISASTER RELIEF FUND PLEASE HELP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:14:00 +0000

FUND CREATED FOR MINNESOTA BRIDGE COLLAPSE DISASTER RELIEF

The collapse of the I-35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River brought a shocking reminder of the fragility of life and how an ordinary, daily event can turn into tragedy and heartbreak. This disaster, however, also illuminates the generous human impulse to want to help those who have suffered loss. The Minnesota Helps -Bridge Disaster Fund has been created in response to that outpouring of community concern.

ABOUT THE FUND

The Minnesota Helps Fund: Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaboration of local funders to facilitate local contributions to disaster relief efforts. The purpose of the fund is to collect contributions and distribute them effectively to help the victims, rescuers, and families affected by the bridge collapse.

Contributions to the fund will be pooled and distributed to where they are most needed -- immediately and in the coming months. Grants will be distributed to organizations assisting those affected by the bridge collapse. Needs addressed by the fund might include costs of medical treatment, mental health counseling, recovery, and cleanup activities.

The Minnesota Helps Fund - Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaboration of a metro area philanthropic institutions, including The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation, the Greater Twin Cities United Way, to facilitate contributions to disaster relief efforts. The Northwest Area Foundation, the Grotto Foundation and McKnight Foundation have also pledged support.

To Contribute

No administrative fees will be collected by the foundations for this service -- 100% of all donations will be redistributed to provide financial support where it is most urgently needed. Donations to this fund are 100% tax deductible. We cannot accept in-kind donations

Contribute securely on-line with a credit card.

OR Contribute by mail by sending a check to:
Minnesota Helps - Bridge Disaster FundThe Minneapolis Foundation800 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth StreetMinneapolis, MN 55402

Additional Resources
To register yourself as safe or to search for information on a loved one, visit www.safeandwell.org or call (612) 871-7676.

Family Assistance CenterHoliday Inn Metrodome, 1500 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55454
To get help or offer help, contact the United Way 2-1-1™ information and response helpline at 2-1-1 or (651) 291-0211.

Blood DonationsThe Twin Cities Area Red Cross has asked blood donors to make appointments by visiting their website or calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (Note: This is an 8-digit phone number.)

For More Information
For additional information about the fund, please contact info@minnesotahelps.org or:
The Minneapolis Foundation(612) 672-3878

The Saint Paul Foundation & Minnesota Community Foundation(651) 224-0571
Thank you for your support.

Dramatic Pictures of Minnesota Bridge Collapse

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:01:00 +0000

Walleye Fishing Video

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 May 2007 02:49:00 +0000

Walleye Fishing is something that many Minnesotans participate in every year. This avid fisherman takes his sport to the next level by actually going to where the fish live.....Watch this amazing video of Walleye Spear Fishing

Minnesota Fishing Season Opens Walleyes beware

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 May 2007 00:19:00 +0000

Minnesota anglers are counting the days until the May 12 fishing opener and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is helping - with a reminder to introduce someone new to the sport.

The DNR will count down the days to the fishing opener on electronic billboards throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area beginning May 7. The space was purchased in partnership with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to growing participation in boating and fishing and Wildlife Forever.

"This innovative approach to marketing the fishing opener is aimed at avid anglers," said Mark LaBarbera, DNR communications director. "We're counting on those folks to introduce someone new to the sport and encourage more people to go fishing this year."

Recruitment and retention of anglers has become a priority for the DNR after a statewide survey showed the number of licensed Minnesota anglers ages 16-44 declined 9.3 percent from 2000 to 2005, while the state's population overall in that age category grew by one-half percent.

The billboards are part of a campaign, known as the Anglers' Legacy pledge, which encourages anglers to introduce a nonangler to a quality fishing experience. The pledge is based on research that suggests most people would gladly go fishing if only someone would ask them. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation will rent another 16 billboards to catch the eyes of motorists streaming north into lake country. These billboards will remind parents and grandparents to take their kids fishing by promoting the "Take Me Fishing" campaign.

"Through fishing, kids learn new skills, confidence and the importance of protecting water quality and habitat," LaBarbera said. "It's incredibly important that we help young people build a connection to the outdoors that will last throughout their lives."

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2007. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Web Site (online). Accessed 2007-5-7 at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/sitetools/copyright.html

Bottom Bouncer Trolling can be a Winning Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 May 2007 23:10:00 +0000

Although bottom bouncing can be refined to an art form in terms of technique and various presentations, the basics of trolling bottom bouncers are simple, easily learned, and almost instantly rewarding.

Typically, walleye feed at a particular depth on a particular structure. It is critical to maintain that depth when walleye are found, and equally critical to stay on the structure without unnecessary snagging or dragging. It all boils down to boat control and rod control.

Bottom bouncing is a hands-on endeavor. Many walleye anglers fail to have success when bottom bouncing because their rig is either too high up off the bottom (at least they don't snag) or laying on its side, constantly dragging across the bottom (*@!!# snags).

When you first let out line and touch bottom, your line goes slack, then tightens up. You need to let out a little more line, tap-tap with the rod to find bottom, a little more, tap-tap with the rod, and repeat until you can feel the bottom on each tap, but not the constant drag of the weight across the bottom. A bottom bouncer's effectiveness and snag resistance depends on correctly tapping, or "bouncing," the sinker along the bottom. When just the wire below the weight comes in contact with bottom the lure or bait trolls just above the bottom and the weight resists hanging up in rocks and other snags. Now you are set until the bottom drops off or rises a few feet or more. By watching the sonar you can anticipate these changes and reel in or let out line or raise or lower your rod tip to compensate.

The next problem will be when you feel your rig snag. This is normal. Don't feel defeated. Simply point your rod towards the snag and jerk straight up.
Do not jerk the pole toward the front of the boat . You will be doomed to turn back to get it out-a waste of time.

Now the good part, the hook set. When you feel a walleye hit your line, don't haul off and put your back in the hook set like you would for a trout. It's a hard habit to break but after you miss a few you will settle down and practice the dip and sweep. When you feel the fish, feed it to him (dip the rod back), then firmly sweep you pole forward and the battle is joined.

Boat control is the number one most important factor when bottom bouncing for walleye. As mentioned before, walleye concentrations are found on particular structure at a particular depth. That means if you can't keep the boat on the structure, (such as the top of a hump, the edge of a ledge or a shoreline contour), and at the proper depth, then you won't succeed in catching walleye while bottom bouncing.

By using the sonar, by watching the shoreline to help imagine what the bottom looks like, by paying attention to the wind and waves, and by watching where your rig is in relation to the boat, you can properly concentrate your fishing effort where the fish are. You must also realize that turns create speed changes on the outside lines (increase) and inside lines (decrease), which puts those lines deeper or shallower. Pay attention to these changes and control your boat properly and your fishing success will increase proportionately.

Source: MNWALLEYES.COM

Walleye Fishing Secrets The Vertical Jig

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 May 2007 23:10:00 +0000

It swims, hops, wiggles, sinks, snaps, and twitches to attract fish. The jig does about everything except jump tall buildings and fly. A vertical presentation is only one of your choices to catch walleyes.

Vertical jigging is a technique where the boat is stationary or moving slowly. Boat control is very important for this method because you must move slowly to stay vertical. Always watch others jig as there are many variations of each presentation.

Practice and use what works for you, but always try to match the jig action of the angler who is catching the most fish just like you change colors if your buddy is catching them on red. I have found that I can not imitate everybody's jigging action no matter how hard I try. Some days you look like the magician and some days you look like a clown.

Below is a list of some vertical jigging presentations.
• Lift and drop
• Suspend
• Twitch
• Drag
• Snap

Lift and drop is the most common presentation. You lift the jig a few inches or a few feet and drop the jig to the bottom. Walleyes often pick up the jig as it drops and you will feel the walleye as you lift the jig. When you drop the jig, you can keep slight tension on the line by dropping your rod tip as the jig falls. This way you can see the bite by watching the line as if the jig doesn't seem to reach the bottom it is in a walleyes mouth. This will also slow down the drop. Walleyes prefer both fast and slow drops.

The jig can be suspended off the bottom and held motionless or twitched.
Your bite can often be more aggressive with this method. Jigs can be left on the bottom and dragged as you move slowly. When dragging a jig try to add other actions episodically to entice a bite or just wait for a walleye to pick it up.

Vertical snap jigging is very similar to the action used when using a jigging spoon. It I s also like lift and drop only the speed of the lift is much faster. The jig still drops freely. You will get your most aggressive bites with this presentation

Source MNWALLEYES.COM

MPR: House DFLers unveil tax bill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:38:00 +0000

April 23, 2007

DFLers in the Minnesota House have released the details of their tax bill. The bill increases taxes on Minnesota's highest earners and uses the money to give homeowners a property tax break. The governor has made no secret of his plans to veto a tax increase. Some lawmakers are indicating that they may be willing to drop the income tax proposal but want the governor to find some other form of revenue for property tax relief.

St. Paul, Minn. — House Taxes Committee Chair Ann Lenczewski, a DFLer from Bloomington, says her bill would provide direct property tax relief for 90 percent of Minnesota homeowners. She says she would pay for the package by increasing income taxes on married joint filers earning more than $400,000 a year and for single filers making more than $226,000 a year. She says her proposal would create a fairer tax system since wealthier Minnesotans pay a smaller portion of their income in taxes than middle class Minnesotans.

The House and Senate both want to raise income taxes on high earners. Lenzcewski says it's possible that they may drop the income tax proposal, but she says Gov. Pawlenty has to find some other revenue to pay for some form of property tax relief.

MPR: Minn. Senate votes to raise income taxes on highest-paid

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:13:00 +0000

"The Minnesota Senate has approved a nearly $1 billion income tax increase that would make the state's top bracket the highest in the nation. Lawmakers voted 35 to 29 Saturday to pass the DFL-backed measure which also provides funding for public schools, early childhood education and state colleges and universities. But Republicans promise the bill will never get past Gov. Pawlenty and his veto pen.

St. Paul, Minn. — The DFL-controlled Senate had already passed a tax bill and an education funding bill last week. But senators were back at the Capitol on Saturday debating both issues a second time.

DFL leaders tucked a new income tax plan in a new education bill that would provide families with money to enroll kids in early childhood programs. The basic school funding formula would grow by 2 percent each of the next two years, and more money would go to higher education with the hope of holding down college tuition costs.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/03/31/taxes/

Stop Politicians from Spending the Budget Surplus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 05:46:00 +0000

Join the Tax Cut Coalition Today!!
Sign Up HERE

About the easiest thing for a Minnesota politician to be is compassionate with someone else's money---usually yours! So as the leaders of the Census Bureau's 6th highest per capita tax state gather at the Capitol to once again bust any parameters on limited government and fiscal responsibility, it's time for the peasants to grab the pitchforks and declare loud and clear, "Not this time you don't!"

Remember, the last biennial budget went up a whopping 12.4%. It now totals $32 billion dollars, almost doubling over the last decade. How is it Wisconsin has 400,000 more people yet spends less that Minnesota? I'll tell you how, from Arne Carlson to Jesse Ventura to Tim Pawlenty, too many governors have capitulated to liberal legislators (and their cheerleaders in the media) intent on spending the over collection of taxes called budget surpluses. And now, with a DFL dominated legislature totally divorced from any fiscal reality, they're set to spend the surplus again---only this time it's in the billions!

Of course, the "progressives" (as they now refer to themselves) disguise their government greed with some bemusing tactics, such as the spurious claim that adjusted for inflation, Minnesota's general fund isn't actually large enough at $32 billion per biennium. Hmm…interesting inflation calculator they've got there. Going back a decade and using the Federal Reserve's online version and this budget has far outstripped the general increase in the price of goods and services. Not even close.

Chief Justice, John Marshall once said, "the power to tax is the power to destroy." By putting the government budget ahead of the family budget, these career politicians have caused undue hardship for the average Minnesota household (dare we include the 'children' too?). And there is only one way to stop it: permanent tax reduction. In fact, the only way to combat the spender's special interest lobbies is to reduce the amount of taxpayer funded goodies they're able to hand out-year in and year out. It is after all, your money.

Let me urge you to join Minnesota's Tax Cut Coalition today by signing the petition below. And by registering you can even choose the state tax cut you think would be most beneficial to you and your family. Our website will keep a running tally of your vote and we here at KTLK will keep you updated on our progress. Once all the signatures are collected and your selections registered, you and I will officially present this petition for tax relief to the Governor and leaders of the Legislature on the steps of the capitol on Saturday April 14th, 2007 at noon! That's right, this whole effort will culminate in a massive Tax Cut Rally in St. Paul. So join today and stay tuned to the Jason Lewis Show on 100.3 KTLK FM for all the latest details on what is sure to be THE political event of 2007.

Jason Lewis
KTLK FM News Talk 100.3 Minnesota

A Guide to Minnesota Camping

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 22:32:00 +0000

The number of people who like camping is stunning. There has been a significant increase in the number of families and couples in recent years that have included camping in their vacation programs. While some people enjoy trying new places for camping each year, others have their favourite spot to camp during their annual vacation. One of the best places for camping seems to be Minnesota. There are hundreds of possibilities when considering Minnesota camping.

Minnesota has much to offer to campers as there are many lakes and varied terrain within the borders of the state. The best choice for camping is the northern part of the state offering camping along Lake Superior. The north shore drive along Lake Superior is one of the greatest in the United States, especially during the autumn. Along this route you can find a couple state parks which have hiking trails, wolf interpretive centers and kayaking available. In case you are keen on fishing then you can choose one of the 10,000 lakes in the state.

The lakes are spread across Minnesota and there are also some recreational areas. Minnesota camping is best in these areas for the reason that today there are large state parks in addition to private campgrounds. Federal camping grounds are also available there. Even though most of these recreational areas are located in the northern part of the state, the southern part has a lot to offer as well. We are talking about trout streams and high river bluffs. In the southern portion of Minnesota there are two state parks offering rock climbing and cliff diving into the St Croix River. Hiking trails are also a possibility. There are also many festivals organized in the quaint river towns in this area.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is the most popular Minnesota camping. There are no motorized vehicles, boats included in BWCA as they are against the rules. Of course, there are many drop off points where you can leave your supplies and enjoy a canoe ride and camp in this area. Within BWCA you will find many maps showing where the pit toilets, campfire rings and picnic tables are located. As far as supplies are concerned, you will get only what you bring with yourself. I suppose everyone had understood that this type of camping is not for the novice campers. Even though there are many portages to make, the magnificent beauty of the woods and lakes is surely worth the effort.

Close to the metropolitan area you can also find some campgrounds. Did you know that Minneapolis means city of lakes? This type of camping in the state of Minnesota offers a night under the stars and a very active day of the city life. Whether you prefer one type of camping or another, it makes no difference. Id you are a camper than you just have to visit Minnesota.

There is no way you will regret Minnesota camping.

by Morgan Hamilton

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning leisure and recreation. Learn more at Minnesota Camping

Great Fundraising Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 19:54:00 +0000

Well. it's that time of year again; the nights are getting cooler,the kiddies are back in school, and with their return comes my personal favorite! School Fundraising!

School Fundraising-

Translation- A bunch of kids going door-to-door selling a bunch of stuff I don't want or need.

I don't want to sound harsh as I am all in favor of raising money for the schools, but I am still trying to work through the 150 piece wrapping set my wife bought last year. I have wrapped everything from the dog, to seat cushions and still we have 100+ pieces left.

School fundraisers used to be something I looked forward to. Remember those Carmel chocolate bars the kids used to sell? Every year, I would buy about thirty dollars worth of those chocolate covered wonders. Now, it's just depressing sifting through the stuff my son's school is trying the schlep. There has to be a better way.

The other night I was researching material for a Parents of Fundraising Kids support group when I stumbled upon this amazing website.

Bid4Funds.com

What Bid4Funds.com Offers:
Great Fundraising Opportunities

Bid4funds.com offers a unique environment where:

*Local companies receive amazing recognition for their generous contributions

*Charitable organizations have an opportunity to offer their supports a fun and rewarding way to support their favorite cause.

*Friends of charitable organizations can support their favorite cause by purchasing items they really want, and have fun at Bid4Funds online silent auctions.

More about what Bid4Funds offers:

"We offer the businesses in our neighborhood, and around the country, the opportunity to help their favorite causes, while receiving a great advertising value. We have designed our web site to offer businesses that support our charities the recognition they deserve for their generosity. The banner ads are attractive, and allow customers to find their favorite businesses. This offers an unparalleled reward for charitable giving."

"We offer the supporters of our organization a fun and interesting environment where they can not only donate to their favorite cause, but get something back. Supporters have the choice of what items they would like to bid on. Gone are the days of having to buy something you don’t want, just because your uncles wife's little sisters daughter has a catalog.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Bid4funds.com, and happy shopping."

Sounds like a great idea to me. Check out Bid4Funds.com

Apple Man Minnesota Matters

3 Sex Offenders Live Near the U of MN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 04:04:00 +0000

By Kathryn Nelson

Level 3 sex offenders are required to register with police upon moving.

The mug shot shows a man who looks no older than 20. Closely trimmed hair, slender physique and a defiant expression make him look like a typical college student.

But he isn't. He is a level 3 sex offender who lives blocks away from the University.

There are three level 3 sexual predators living near campus. While no level 3 sex offenders live on University property, several live in adjacent neighborhoods.

Their convictions include possession of child pornography and penetration of minors aged 3 to 15.

City Officials

City officials balance the safety of residents and ensure the offender's re-entry into a community is successful. While some students said they felt uncomfortable with offenders in the area, they said accepting them into the community is important for the person's recovery.

There are approximately 1,300 registered sexual predators in Minneapolis, 51 of whom are assigned the third risk level.

According to the Minneapolis city Web site, of the four degrees, those labeled level 3 sex offenders are the most likely to reoffend.

Community notification within a three-block radius and police registration is required when a level 3 offender relocates to a neighborhood.

Jon Hinchliff, community notification coordinator for Minneapolis, said he frequently extends those boundaries of notification so "we can accommodate as many people as possible."

Leonard John Gillespie, 31, is one of the level 3 sex offenders living near campus in the Seward neighborhood, but he said he is not a threat to students.

Gillespie was released February 2005 after serving time on a conviction of engaging in sexual contact with two adult women and attempting penetration.
Gillespie said he had "taken responsibility" for his crimes, but that "my words won't prove that, my actions will."

His chaotic childhood and long-term substance addiction contributed to his criminal record, "but I'm not going to blame alcohol or drugs," he said.
Gillespie has been sober for four years, and has a girlfriend. They plan to marry.
Gillespie said he is most concerned with living a peaceful life despite his previous mistakes.

Life after re-entry can be difficult, Hinchliff said. Employers often require any previous felony charges to be disclosed before hiring someone.
Housing frequently is denied to applicants who are declared level 3 sex offenders, he said.

Hinchliff said additional mandates have been added this year, requiring level 3 sex offenders to meet face-to-face with officers three times a year to update photos and contact information.

Those offenders who claim to be homeless are required to verify their residential status weekly, Hinchliff said.
For the first three months after prison release, offenders are under an "intense supervised release," which includes a mandatory GPS location monitor to be worn.

Offenders must register their current address with law enforcement. They also are subject to frequent visits from a parole supervisor.

Hinchliff said people should keep in mind "it's much more preferable to have (offenders) working than not and wandering the streets."

"A known location is a much easier location to check," Hinchliff said.
Imen Jendoubi, a postsecondary student, said sex offenders near campus make her "uneasy."
But she said the police are handling the situation well.

"If nothing has happened so far, it looks like the police are doing their jobs," Jendoubi said.
Sgt. Erik Stenemann of the University Police Department said he is aware of sex offenders living near campus.

Since there are no level 3 sex offenders living on University property, it technically is not the responsibility of the University of Minnesota Police Department to enforce any violations, Stenemann said.

Still, University police work closely with the Minneapolis Police Sex Offenders Community Notification Unit to ensure offenders are in compliance with state mandates, he said.

Sophomore Jane Riley said she is "aware that those people are around."
Riley said that predators are most likely to reoffend unless they are welcomed back into the community.