Furst Draft

'Two stupid so-called cartoons'

Here's an intolerant note from a reader:

How much longer do we have to put up with those two stupid so-called cartoons, "Dilbert" and "Get Fuzzy"? They make no sense whatsoever and certainly are not funny. Please find something to replace them.

I love "LuAnn."

Thank you.

Mrs. F.

Which just goes to show...there's no accounting for taste.

'I guess I did have moments when I got up on my high horse'

 
The Answer Man passed this along in case I was interested in posting the entire missive from Joe O'Brien, the former KROC talk radio host...I'll tee it up with today's Answer Man item:

Master of Answers, is it true that Joe O’Brien, the conservative radio DJ formerly with KROC who frequently complained about public radio, is now working for a public station in Sioux Falls? How delicious!

Delicious it is! Joe, whose radio name was O’Brien but who now goes by his birth name, Tlustos, has been director of radio for South Dakota Public Broadcasting since 2007. Joe’s a South Dakota native, so it’s a good fit in that regard. He oversees programming for nine radio stations.

But public radio? Joe O’Brien, the arch-conservative who was later heard on KSTP-AM in the Twin Cities as well?

Joe doesn’t acknowledge being THAT conservative. “I guess I was what passed for a ‘conservative’ talk host back in the ‘80s and ‘90s while at KROC,” he wrote in an e-mail. “I was (and am) a fiscal conservative (more accurately described as a cheapskate) but never bought into all the social stuff, religious conservative stuff, etc...I certainly never thought I’d get lumped in with Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. I’ve since met them both, and they’re not the types I’d care to spend more than 30 seconds with, socially.”

Regarding public radio, Joe goes on to say, “Yes, I DID talk about Minnesota Public Radio. However, it should be noted I never criticized their content (which, on balance, is very, very good). I just never understood why it was OK for MPR’s founders to become millionaires in the process.”

I seem to remember some rants about state funding for Minnesota Public Radio and other free-market complaints, but we’ll let bygones be bygones.

Joe says he misses Rochester, “but for the first time in my life I really feel I’m in the place I am meant to be. If anyone gets to Sioux Falls, I’m the only Joe Tlustos in the phone book. Joe O’Brien has pretty much left the building.”

The Answer Man never leaves the building. Send questions to P.O. Box 6118, Rochester, MN 55903 or answerman@postbulletin.com.

So here's Joe's complete e-mail, which he was OK with my posting:

-----------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Yes, it's true, I am the Director of Radio for South Dakota Public
Broadcasting (sdpb.org).  I am the general manager for our 9-station
state wide radio network.  In South Dakota, public broadcasting is part
of State government (yes I work for the GOVERNMENT!), and includes 9
radio and 9 TV stations, internet division, and education and outreach.
While I live in Sioux Falls (within walking distance of my ENTIRE
family, parents and two brothers), SDPB is based on the campus of the
University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

2.  I guess I was what passed for a "conservative" talk host back in the
'80's and '90's while at KROC.  I was (and am) a fiscal conservative
(more accurately a cheap-skate), but never bought into all the social
stuff, religious conservative stuff, etc.  I tended to ask more
questions than dictate answers.  Maybe I remember it differently, but I
talked about a lot of stuff that didn't have an ideological angle.  I
was usually more interested in talking to an author of a history book
than politics.  I also tried to create a space where local people could
talk, and talk to their elected officials.  I certainly never thought
I'd get lumped in with Limbaugh, Hannity, etc.  I've since met them
both, and they're not the types I'd care to spend more than thirty
seconds with socially.  I was the Program Director at KSTP in St. Paul
for nearly 6 years.  It was the best of times and the worst of times.
While a success financially and ratings-wise, I walked away from that
rat race, lucky to still retain what remained of my sanity and health.

I guess I did have moments when I got up on my high horse.  I have a
life-long friend who could always keep me straight. When I would get all
riled up, he'd asks, "Am I talking to Joe Tlustos or 'Joe O'Brien'?"  I
guess you could say that Joe O'Brien wasn't always good for my mental
health.  Joe Tlustos is a much happier guy who laughs a lot more.

3.  Yes, I DID talk about Minnesota Public Radio.  However, it should be
noted I never criticized their content(which, on balance, is very, very
good). I just never understood why it was OK for MPR's founders to
become millionaires in the process. MPR is the 800-pound gorilla of the
public radio world.  Along with their 35 or so stations in Minnesota,
they are also the second largest syndicator of public radio programming
in the US, behind only National Public Radio (NPR). At SDPB, we operate
on a shoestring, much more to the original roots of public broadcasting.
And, I can unequivocally guarantee that there are NO millionaires in our
humble little building...although the building inwhich we are housed is
named after Al Neuharth, newspaper billionaire founder of USA Today (I
still enjoy a good newspaper dig, now and then!).

4. How did I end up at South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and how does
that choice fit with my "persona" at KROC?  I'm still pretty much the
same guy.  What has changed over time is the nature of the media.  When
I did my first radio program in Wabasha in 1978, I did it for the same
reasons I do it today:  to try to serve the community's interests, tell
interesting stories, have a little fun, and reflect the place where I
was.  I was born in South Dakota (though raised in Plainview, MN...Go
Gophers!), and have always had a real affection for South Dakota and
it's people.  It was the broadcasting business that changed, with all
the huge corporations moving in and replacing local owners.  Most of
these corporations were run by bankers, not broadcasters.  Originally, I
thought they'd ruin the business in 10 years.  It's taken them about 13,
so I was a little off.  I love the public service mission of SDPB, and
think we really fill a need here.  I get to dabble in TV documentary
production when time allows, and the only time I'm on the air anymore is
during membership drives on both radio and TV.  Yes, I'm the guy asking
for your donations!  I suppose there are those back in Rochester who
would get a good chuckle out of that!  Seriously, I love it.  I miss
Rochester and it's people, but for the first time in my life I really
feel I'm in the place I am meant to be.  If anyone gets to Sioux Falls,
I'm the only Joe Tlustos in the phone book.  Joe O'Brien has pretty much
left the buidling...

Pet of the Week works

Note from our photo editor about the weekly Pet of the Week feature:

Jay , a couple of week ago, Donna from Safe Haven called me to tell of a puppy that they had (unusual because they primarily deal with cats) - this puppy was in foster care with an older woman who was struggling with the energy of the dog - Donna asked if we could expedite this dog into our Pet of the Week - we did that and she called to tell me that they had several people inquire about the dog and by Thursday following her Sat appearance in the PB, they had found a new home for her with an energetic 7-year-old who absolutely loves the dog - Donna was so grateful for our help with the Pet of the Week feature.

'We greatly appreciate this more than you know'

Feedback on the Saturday package regarding St. Rose of Lima Church:

Dear Matt and Ken,
 
Thank you so very much for your coverage of our progress at St. Rose of Lima and our Memorial Day Mass this year.  We had several visitors arrive from all over southeastern Minnesota to see the church throughout the entire weekend thanks to your coverage.  They all said that they had heard about St. Rose through the Post Bulletin.  Some people even told relatives from far away to read your article online!   Thank you for front page coverage and especially for the most pleasant surprise of a full page spread of photographs!!!  This really impressed several of your loyal readers.  Everywhere I’ve went since Saturday morning, someone has complimented this coverage.  We greatly appreciate this more than you know.
 
We filled the church at mass yesterday.  There were actually people standing in the entrance area and out the front doors too!  There were dozens of other people that came to see St. Rose on Saturday and Sunday while we were preparing for the Memorial Day mass.  Many more came after mass throughout the afternoon yesterday too.  We probably missed more people who decided to take a drive to the country because of your coverage.  We also received emails and a lot of traffic on our web site.
 
Once again, we really can’t thank you enough for your media coverage of our restoration efforts.  The word has really spread about our little church preservation thanks to both of you and the Post Bulletin.
 
Most Sincerely,
Jill Palof
 
Friends of St. Rose, Inc.
 

Not amused by 'bagging a snowmobiler' cartoon

Here's a voice mail message from a reader over the weekend, regarding the political cartoon that ran on Thursday:

Yeah -- I subscribe to your newspaper and do not appreciate the article or the picture about 'bagging a snowmobiler,' shooting and killing a snowmobiler -- maybe you could possibly create enough nerve to call me back.

(I was out sick yesterday -- I'll give him a call later this morning. If it's an eventful phone call, I'll update this...)

Another reader stopped in late Friday afternoon to complain about the same cartoon, by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Signe Wilkinson, regarding the bill that passed Congress allowing people to carry concealed weapons in national parks. In Yellowstone National Park, the issue of snowmobile access to wild areas and its impact on grizzly bear habitat has been around for years; Wilkinson put the two issues together in a cartoon depicting bears carrying weapons.

It's a good cartoon, though I doubt many peeople here are aware of the two issues or care enough about them to figure out the cartoon. If they don't, it's merely a weird crack about snowmobilers.

The guy who came in Friday was furious and said repeatedly, "How would you like it if that cartoon said we should shoot journalists? Huh? How would you like it?" He all but seemed to volunteer for that duty.

I encouraged him to write a letter to the editor instead.

I'll acknowledge this much -- we don't often joke about "bagging" someone or making jokes about shootings, whether on the opinion page or elsewhere. But it was a bear saying that, for criminy sake.

'This is no longer about the desk!'

Here's a long e-mail I received (as did our education reporter, Elliot Mann) from ex-Rochester school board candidate Brad Trahan, on news this week regarding the wrongful termination lawsuit. I gave Brad a chance to tidy up his original e-mail prior to posting.

I'll make a few quick comments below.

Jay and Elliot,

I find tonight's P-B article about the recent lawsuit of a former school
district employee and its allegations against #535 of the alleged conduct
of its Superintendent troubling.  I also find it very interesting P-B took
off the comment portion of this article.

I have read many blogs back and fourth and I have read yours as well Jay
with regards to your opinion, speculation, assumptions, etc. of racism.
One person that can not be accused of that is me!

Before Dr. Dallemand was hired, at the concerns of parents and staff about
his inclusion process while serving in his position in Connecticut, I did
an extensive fact-finding search, speaking to many about these reports of
concern.  In terms of inclusion, I did support Dr. Dallemand’s hire after
speaking to many individuals about inclusion in Connecticut.  Even
individuals without close ties to Dr. Dallemand!

I, like many, do find the alleged complaint troubling and if true, I would
be interested in your comments Jay.  If alleged is true Jay, I can’t
imagine you would accept this “reverse discrimination” hiring practice
would you?  Especially if what is alleged is true where it may have
violated Federal and State law?

I think what is very interesting is that in the complaint, it alleges Dr.
Dallemand was "not employed" when hired by #535.  I do not recall of that
ever being noted at the time of hiring.  And it may very well have been
noted, but I simply do not recall that. That may warrant more factual
investigation by the P-B to inform its readers and find out if that was
true or not?  If he was not employed, as alleged, why not?  And certainly,
we may never know that until this process runs its course.

Clearly, every course must take its path, as does this one.  But I hope
this receives close attention because this clearly affects the taxpayers
of this community but more importantly, students and district staff.

Elliot, as you recall, when I ran for school board, [All 13 of us that I
still question if a Primary was not held on purpose due to the fact that
we know #535 was given proper notice and the ball got dropped but it has
not been reported by whom or why?] that at the League of Women's Forum;
the question was asked, "Do you support this Administration?"

Only three of us said, "No." And I was one of them. I closed out by
stating that if this Administration is honest with its staff, stops the
"fear” factor that was presently going on and changes its way, then yes, I
would support but currently, did not and still do not.

My message stayed the same through out the campaign and my opponent, Board
Member Bly, as well as Board Member’s Pittenger and Fischer all came to me
and thanked me for not ever changing my views during the course of public
forums and interviews.

Jay, I like you, I like reading your views rather I agree or not.  I like
reading peoples takes on things and I argue we can all learn from one
another. But I truly hope that now is the time that as you start to see
this story unravel and other stories that can not be disputed, that you
sit down and deeply think to yourself, "maybe my P-B bloggers were right
on some issues."

Sure, some people get carried away Jay and I acknowledge that we don’t get
to see all the blogs that you do and delete those that are not
appropriate.  But I still contend I do not believe it is about Dr.
Dallemands race that has caused this city uproar with him; it is simply
his ACTIONS.  How is he engagaing himself in the community?  I’ve seen
very little of it?

Our district has now lost five administrative staff since his hiring in
just 2 ½ years!  One dismissed and four resigned.  That concerns me, as it
should you as it should our district!  And for those that left, all have
been acknowledged to be very good people.  These people leaving affect our
students and staff!

I would encourage you Jay to allow people to blog on this story because it
is not a crime or accident story. While it is a court matter, it is a
civil matter that does affect taxpayers and concerned parents, staff and
students.  Taxpayers are now paying for district legal fees to defend
this!  People, in a constructive manner should be allowed to voice their
opinions on this.  And as always, remove the ones that are inappropriate.
The complaint is clearly public record.

These allegations are yet another concern of several other documented
stories and issues under Dr. Dallemand's direction in the past involving
hiring practice.  And the means in which Dr. Dallemand proceeds to do so.
As I have stated all along, it is not about the people, rather, it appears
Dr. Dallemand does not have any respect for the process.  Our district
must follow the procedure, the policy and the laws!  We can not disregard
any of that!

This is no longer about the desk!  If what is alleged is true, and these
are serious allegations where Federal and State law could have been
violated, that is and should be of a major concern for our district as a
whole!

Let the discovery process begin!  How are the students and staff doing today?

Regards,
Brad Trahan
Rochester, MN

Brad's entitled to his opinion, and while it seems he's already made up his mind on the Coryea lawsuit, I'll say this without prejudice: Anyone can file a lawsuit. The facts will come out in court and there'll be a verdict.

The P-B has been digging for more information on the Coryea termination ever since it happened, so to the extent that we'll apparently learn more about what exactly happened, it'll be a fascinating process to cover.

Regarding Brad's comment about how someday maybe I'll think "my bloggers" were right after all -- my only complaint with "my bloggers" is when they go off the deep end and violate terms of agreement for anonymous comments online. No vicious personal attacks, no racist comments, no allegations of misconduct, etc.

Everyone's entitled to agree or disagree with the superintendent and board members -- have at it -- but keep it respectful and appropriate.

Regarding the rest of what Brad says -- reverse discrimination, the number of people who have quit or been fired, etc. -- I don't comment on news in that way. If you read through the archives on this blog, I generally don't comment on politics or events. You won't find a comment in the archives on what I think of Dallemand's job performance, or the board's. My job is to assure the quality, depth and fairness of our news report, not to editorialize on the news. That's the job of our editorial page staff, and the publisher, Randy Chapman, runs the editorial page.

Online in this blog, I comment on how and why we report the news ad pass along feedback from readers, which is why Trahan's comment is now here. It's relevant feedback regarding our coverage.

Press release regarding Elk Run

Considering the interest in nitty-gritty on the Elk Run biobusiness development in Pine Island, here's the news release put out by Tower Investments this week and distributed by the city of Pine Island.

First is the introductory e-mail copy from the city, followed by the text of the press release:

Thank you for your valuable contribution to this important project. What we have collectively accomplished here is to position the region and indeed the State of Minnesota to be a leader in Bio-Business. The leadership you have shown is THE key ingredient needed to ensure long-term success.
 
When Governor Pawlenty identified the goal of making Minnesota a leader in the bio-business sector, he laid out a clear goal for all of us to work towards. Here we are, just few years later, and Minnesota is well on its way to becoming a magnet for bio-businesses. I think the real work begins now to ensure the sustainability and on going success of the bio-business economy in Minnesota.
 
We have what it takes after all, this is Minnesota where in the words of Garrison Keillor; “the women are strong, the men are good looking and the children are above average”.
 
I am confident that we will continue to work together to make Minnesota and the region even a better place to live and work.
 
Again thank you,
 
Abraham Algadi, City Administrator
City of Pine Island
P.O. Box 1000
Pine Island, MN  55963

+++++++
 

For Immediate Release Contact: Amy Hall
Seigenthaler Public Relations
(615) 327-7999
ahall@seigenthaler.com

TOWER INVESTMENTS FUNDS ELK RUN ONSITE
INFRASTRUCTURE

On the heels of recent industry recognition, developer funds nearly a million
dollars to bring onsite utilities to biobusiness park and wellness community

Pine Island, Minn. – (May 19, 2009) – Tower Investments, LLC today announced that it
has funded the onsite infrastructure improvements for the biobusiness park and wellness
community in the 2,325-acre Elk Run master planned community in Pine Island, Minn.
Tower funded $950,000 for these improvements—paid to the City of Pine Island—with
additional funds for further infrastructure components to be provided soon. Additionally,
the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
matched Tower’s total committed monies for the onsite improvements.

“This funding is another crucial milestone on the way to constructing the first facilities at
Elk Run,” said Geoff Griffin, Elk Run’s project manager for Tower Investments, LLC.

“We have gained incredible momentum during this past year, and we are now just steps
away from the long anticipated groundbreaking for onsite improvements set to start next
week.”

The funded improvements include running sewer and water to Elk Run’s biobusiness
park and wellness community sites, constructing a stormwater retention pond in the
Biobusiness Park, and building a sanitary lift station.

“We see this as another sign of tremendous good faith from Tower Investments, and we
equally applaud the state of Minnesota for supporting this development,” said Pine
Island City Administrator Abraham Algadi. “The onsite improvements require no city
dollars, yet Pine Island will no doubt reap countless benefits from Elk Run and the
industry, community and commerce it will create.”

“The realization of projects like the Elk Run development helps to create an awareness
in the world of Minnesota’s capabilities," said Dale Wahlstrom, CEO of the BioBusiness
Alliance of Minnesota. “The state and Elk Run continue to be bolstered by significant
endorsements and support from industry leaders and publications. This support,
coupled with foresight and fiscal commitment from the state of Minnesota, represents Elk
Run’s undeniable potential to have an impact on the biotech industry and economic
development in the region.”

Tower Investments’ funding announcement comes on the heels of this week’s
recognition by the online industry site Fierce Biotech, which named Minnesota the region
in North America most likely to “spark a burst of new biotech activity.” The publication
cited Elk Run as a “trendsetter”, touting the development’s “potential to breed or expand
biotech clusters” thanks in large part to Tower Investments’ partnership with industry
icon G. Steven Burrill and the developers’ ability to get creative during this economic
downturn.

“Our partnership with Burrill & Company has opened many new doors and will
exponentially increase Elk Run’s opportunities to attract biotechnology companies,” said
Steve Marks, Sr., president and CEO of Tower Investments, LLC. Tower and Burrill
formed a formal partnership in April with aims of advancing plans for Elk Run and
establishing a private equity/venture capital fund to support development of new life
science technologies emanating from Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota and
private entities.

“The recent buzz around the state of Minnesota as the new frontier for biotechnology,
along with the funding and the subsequent infrastructure improvements at Elk Run,
demonstrate clear progress and set expectations for the future,” said Marks. “Minnesota
will certainly be the site of continued success for innovative life science companies,
sustainable job creation and economic development, and ultimately improved patient
care for people in the U.S. and around the world.”

The bid for the Elk Run onsite improvements is expected to be awarded at the Pine
Island City Council meeting tonight, May 19, with construction to begin in the next week.

To learn more, visit www.elkrun.info.

About Tower Investments, LLC
Formed in 1989, Tower Investments, LLC, is a private, family-owned real estate
investment and development company with more than 100 real estate projects in 15
states. Tower invests its own capital in residential, commercial, retail, industrial and
agricultural real estate. Visit www.towerinvestments.com to learn more.

About Burrill & Company
Founded in 1994, Burrill & Company is a San Francisco-based global leader in life
sciences with activities in Venture Capital, Private Equity, Merchant Banking and Media.
The Burrill family of venture capital funds has over $950 million under management and
its merchant banking business is one of the industry leaders in life sciences transactions.
Burrill is also the creator, sponsor and facilitator of over a dozen leading industry
conferences worldwide and publisher of a range of bio-intelligence reports including the
monthly Burrill Report and annual “State of the Industry” report. Visit
http://www.burrillandco.com for more information.
- 30 -

No comments on the Coryea story

Here's a note from a reader, and a reminder on our policy:

Why are no comments being allowed on the school district's "alleged" discrimination?
 

My response:

Hi -- we (like many other papers) don't allow comments on accidents, crime stories or court stories, because in the short history of the Web, it's been shown that the comments tend to turn inappropriate and sometimes vicious fairly quickly.
I'll note this on my blog -- I believe it's noted in our online commenting policy, but if not, we'll get it there.
Thanks for asking.

An example of how we still need to aggressively police online comments -- you'd be amazed at the nasty comments from a few readers online regarding our hiring of local media star Tracy McCray to do some online and print projects for us. I won't go into details, but the comments were grossly unfair to Tracy and to us.

Typo Mary

...while we're on the subject of typos, here's a correction coming for tomorrow: We misspelled the name of a woman who wrote an excellent letter to the editor a few days ago.

Her name is Mary Chollar. Guess how we spelled it?

'Primary teeth are baby teeth'

Our story on the new dental practitioner legislation at the Capitol had a cavity in it, according to a reader:

I was reading the front page article yesterday...third column, last sentence, says they would be able to pull "primary (adult) teeth." Primary teeth are baby teeth, not adult teeth.

That bites...we'll correct today. Sorry about that.