DigElogROCORI

Rockville County Park Open House

Saturday  *  May 21, 2008  *  ROCKVILLE, MN


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A few weeks ago DigElogROCORI took part in a special tour of the the new County Park in Rockville, MN. The new Stearns County park is located directly west of the recently established Eagle Park on the north side of the Sauk River in Rockville. On this day the Stearns County Park staff held an open house for the general public to showcase the natural beauty of the park and to get input on what future usage and development should be. The open house included maps showing the present features of the park, as well as short hiking tours to highlight some of its unique characteristics.

In this story, you’ll meet Stearns County Park Director, Chuck Wocken. Chuck begins by giving us a personal tour of a pristine babbling brook that can be found in the park.  Wocken talks about the natural beauty of the area and how the County plans to create trails within the park that do not disrupt the magnificence of the wooded area.  Future plans for the park possibly include picnic areas with a play structure and shelter, canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, cross-country ski trails, environmental education and possibly horseback riding. 

The 283-acre park, of which 193-acres was donated by John and Linda Peck of Rockville, features two miles of scenic river frontage on the Sauk River.   

Get Directions To The New Park Below:

Walk N Wheel Trail Begins with Brewery Creek

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This story is about the start of the Walk N Wheel Trail that will be constructed this summer around Assumption Campus and along Brewery Creek in Cold Spring.  This story introduces the work starting this spring to restore the natural environment along Brewery Creek as a part of a special Mn DNR grant.  Erik Burr, director of environmental services at Assumption home, joins Greg Berg with the Stearn's County Soil and Water District to discuss this important project for the community and ROCORI area.

Gun Safety

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Minnesota is a great place for the outdoor sportsmen. Whether it be hunting fowl or hunting deer there are a number of things to focus while you are in the field. Ralph Leither has been hunting for over 35 years and had time to sit down with us and explain some safety tips for your next hunt. He goes over some of the gun carrying laws and at the end he does a step by step of how to properly clean a gun.

Little Rock Lake Project

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This story is part of our ongoing coverage of the Little Rock Lake Conservation Project. As part of this project, various workers and community volunteers perform tests that help professionals understand problems with the watershed. In this story, we had a chance to interview the project manager Annie Felix. Annie told us about some of the tests that were performed on Little Rock Lake and why they are important.

Little Rock Creek Water Sampling

   
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We had a chance to catch up with Water Plan Technician Annie Felix. She is in charge of collecting water samples from the creek as a part of the Little Rock Creek project. Recently we had an opportunity to go along with Annie as she explained the process of collecting water samples and how they are beneficial to the project.

North Pointe Park Opens

   
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On Saturday September 22, members from the Cold Spring community helped celebrate the grand opening of the North Pointe Park. As you see on the map, the park is located just northwest of ROCORI High School.

Click Here For Directions

From the high school, take Stearns County Road 50 heading north

Take the first right onto 158th Avenue

Take the first right onto 241st Street

Take the first left onto 4th Ave N

Take the second right onto 12th St N

The park is at the end of the block on the left-hand side.

The event was a smashing success as volunteers helped serve root beer floats to those that came out.

ROCORI Community Cleanup

   
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On Saturday September 8, members of the Cold Spring community gathered at the ROCORI high school as part of the Community Cleanup event hosted by the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce. This story features footage from the cleanup as well as an interview with a Chamber member that helps put the Cleanup event together every year.

   
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Click Here To See Other SuperValu Sponsored Stories

North Pointe Park

      
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On Friday August 24, 2007 volunteers from the community helped construct a brand new playground in Cold Spring’s North Pointe. This story features an interview with North Pointe Committee member Margaret Wolf and also shows highlights of the building process. Stay tuned to DigElog Rocori for updates on the Park’s grand opening ceremony.
   
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This story has been sponsored by Tom Graham, your Cold Spring State Farm agent.  If you are trying to save money on combined auto and home insurance, be sure to check with Tom on what State Farm® has available.  Remember, take care of your family's tomorrow by making plans today.  "Like a good neighbor, State Farm® is there." Conveniently located in downtown Cold Spring, give Tom a call at 320-685-3672.

See Other Tom Graham State Farm Insurance Sponsored Stories

IMPORTANT! ROCORI Watering Ban Update

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This story is about the ODD-EVEN Watering Bans that are now instituted in both the cities of Cold Spring and Rockville.  Because of the dry conditions we have experienced all summer the cities of Cold Spring and Rockville are forced to take water conservation steps.  To do this an odd numbered homes should water on the odd days of the month (ie:  301 1st St. would water on Aug 7, 9, 11, 13 etc) and even numbered homes should water on the even days of the month (ie:  302 1st St. would water on Aug 10, 12, 14, 16... etc.)  There is no watering ban in Richmond.

City of Cold Spring Telephone 320-685-3653.

Rockville City Hall at  (320) 251-5836.

City of Richmond            320-597-2075.

Disc Golf

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Are you tired of the same old summer recreational activities? Why not give disc golf a try? No matter what your athletic ability, the sport allows its players to learn the game at their own pace, and unlike conventional golf, is extremely cost effective. This story features footage from a round of disc golf at Calvary Hills Disc Golf Course in St. Cloud. It also includes an interview with one of the disc golfers that explains the rules and recreational advantages of the game.

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Click Here To See Other Flicko's Video Workshop Sponsored Stories

Richmond Canoe Park

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The Richmond Canoe Park is one of the new summer adventure spots in Richmond.  The Canoe Park is located on the west end of town and, in the future, will include an extensive walking path. Right now, the park consists of a few barbecue grills, a fire pit, and a number of picnic tables. The park is located right on the river and has various locations of overlooks and park benches.

Mother Nature ... a relaxing moment

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Here's a little slide show of some great animal and nature shots. It's something that can bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. Need a break or a change of pace...? Do yourself a favor by watching and listening to this short piece.

Rain Garden Planting @ LIONS PARK

          
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  This is a follow up to a story done last week called Rain Gardens @ Lions Park.  Here you'll see first had the process involved in planting thousands of wild flowers and grasses into a Rain Garden to provide both the appearance and filtering properties desired.  Lois Lieser, representing the City of Cold Spring, along with Greg Berg, with the Soil & Water Conservation District, describe the entire process of preparing for and working with volunteers to facilitate the planting.

This story includes many great shots of people from around the community who helped to plant the Rain Gardens over a two day period.  40-50 persons took part in the planting and did a fantastic job in the 80 degree plus scorching temperatures.  There were smiles on everyone's faces and the word fun could be heard floating through the group throughout the day.

Rain Gardens @ Lions Park

Quicktime video 

The brand new Lions Park on the Sauk River in Cold Spring will soon feature something called Rain Gardens.  In this story, Greg Berg, a shoreland specialist with the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District talks about the construction of the Rain Gardens and their purpose in helping to prevent soil and nutrients from washing into the watershed.  Erosion is a serious problem in area lakes and streams.

This week included excavation and soil prep for the three rain garden sites.  Next week Thursday and Friday, local volunteers will assist in planting in each of the gardens a combination of native plants and water filtering vegetation.

If you would like to volunteer and help with next weeks planting:
Call Lois at the Cold Spring City Hall
320-685-3653.

 

Tapping Maple Trees - TROUPE 124

<<< Click photo for PART I QT Movie (BEST m4v) of a III Part Series.

This past week the Cold Spring Brownie Troupe 124 took a field trip to St. John's University to experience the process of making Maple Syrup.  The girls did everything from:
* Tree Identification
* Drilling & Tapping
* Sap Collection
* Sugar Content Analysis
* Sap Evaporation

The girls have a great time out in the woods with their tour guide Sarah.  Grab a cup of coffee and a girl scout cookie as you sit down to enjoy this lovely group of 3 - 5 minute videos.

Part I  Tapping the Maple Tree (QT)
Part I FLASH Version

Part II Sap Collection (mp4)
Part II (FLASH)

Part III Making Maple Syrup (QT)
Part III (FLASH)

Jim Egan talks about Sauk River Cleanup

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QUICKTIME (Best MP4)

FLASH (For PC Users) May take 5-15 min. to load

In this story, Jim Egan represents the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Lake Association and is speaking at a Cold Spring Area Chamber luncheon meeting.

The Sauk River has a very interesting history. Since the Europeans came in the mid 1800s, the river has been exposed to all sorts of man-made pollutants.  Raw sewage was many times dumped directly into the river.  It wasn't until the 1980s that folks started looking seriously at cleaning up the river.

The Sauk River Chain of Lakes Lake Association has played a key role in the river cleanup process.  Phosphorus levels have been reduced from the high of 1600 parts per billion in the mid 1980s, down to the current levels of 90 parts per billion.  The association has put together a long-term plan to help improve and manage the 20 watersheds that exist within the Chain.

For more information stop by the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association website:

Board Members

Sauk River Chain Of Lakes Association

Sauk River Watershed District 

Other Water Organizations

Previously published Sauk River Clean-Up Plan story:
September 2005 Sauk River story

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The Day All Hell Broke Loose!

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The fall of 1940 was a warm one. In some ways similar to the fall of 2005.   With gardens still yielding vegetables well into October, winter seemed far away.

By midday November 11th, some areas of southeast Minnesota topped 60 degrees, but a huge storm was just to the west.  Here in the Land of Rocori, the day was one where kids going to school wore little if any jackets. 

There was no "Doppler Weather Radar" back then.  Lots of folks didn't even have radios at home.  No one knew what was coming and how fast it would engulf everything in its path.

Herb Theis, Cold Spring local historian, tells his version of what took place that day... "The day when all hell broke loose!"

"Three storms collided and in a very short time they dumped a whole lot of snow." said Herb.  "Hunters up north got snowed in so bad they never made it back."

Listen to Herb tell about the two trains that collided in Watkins and how one of the train's whistle continued to blow on into the night until the fire in its steam engine belly finally died out in the blowing ice and snow.

This story was sponsored by Affordable Computing Solutions (ACS), your Land Of ROCORI Authorized Clearwire dealer.  Contact Ty today at 320.685.3222 or stop by their office at 22nd and 3rd Ave.  Suite #4.  They are located in the lower level of the Chain of Lakes Mortgage building in Cold Spring.  The entry door is around the back.  Look for the Affordable Computing Solutions sign above the door.  Please call ahead of time for an appointment.

The Rocori Trail

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Click either the photo or "QUICKTIME" to see a short video on many of the key trail development facts and ideas.

The Rocori Trail Committee held an informational public meeting on Thursday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocori High School Cafeteria to discuss the trail project.

About 60 persons attended the meeting which began with an overview of the project by Heide Pepper with Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. 

There was a panel of representatives from federal, state and local agencies that have been involved in this project or similar projects, who were available to share their experiences or answer specific questions related to their field of expertise. The panelists included representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Stearns County Parks Department, National Parks Service, the State Bike Advisory and the Rocori School District.

These experts addressed various audience questions and concerns. After the question/answer session, attendees will have the chance to visit individual organization’s display tables for more information and handouts. Participants also enjoyed refreshments including trail mix and beverages.

The proposed trail would span a total length of 12.2 miles, starting at the east side of Richmond and ending near Stearns County Road 6 in Rockville. The trail would be constructed in two phases with the first covering from Richmond to Cold Spring and the second continuing from the eastern end of Cold Spring to Rockville. The committee estimates the earliest that construction could begin on the first phase would be 2008, with the second phase beginning in 2009.

Through the many discussions about the proposed trail, there have been two possible routes identified for the trail to follow. Although the committee has been working towards determining the best route, neither route has been finalized. The first route would have the trail located on the right-of-way for the railway that connects the three communities. The second proposed route would use mostly public right-of-ways, and would likely be located at the edge of the right-of-way in the road ditches.

The estimated cost for phase one of the trail is $784,957, and $1,021,925 to complete phase two. Each City Council of the three cities of Richmond, Rockville and Cold Spring have passed resolutions in support of the Rocori Trail Project and have pledged to contribute a local match of $32,000. These costs are committed on the condition that grant funding is secured to fund the balance of the project costs. The committee hopes to be awarded grants through the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In addition to these funds, area cities hope that successful community fundraising efforts will reduce the cost to local governments even further.

Local 9 Year Old Poet: ALIVIA TECHENY

In the August 2005 issue of "Spider" magazine, a magazine for kids 6 to 9 years old, one of our ROCORI kids' poetry was featured.  9 year old Alivia Techeny had the following poem published:

SPRINGTIME

Vacuum cleaners taken out.
Pretty flowers begin to sprout.
Spring has sprung–it's in the air.
Don't put seeds in Spider's hair!

By Alivia Techeny
Cold Spring

Check out some great sample stories from Spider Magazine at:
Online Sample Stories "FREE"

PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD ON ROCORI TRAIL PROJECT

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27th,  7:00 PM 
ROCORI High School Cafeteria

The Rocori Trail Committee will be holding an informational public meeting on Thursday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocori High School Cafeteria to discuss the trail project. The meeting will begin with an overview presentation from the project engineer, Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc.

Next, there will be a panel of representatives from local agencies that have been involved in this project or similar projects, who will be available to share their experiences or answer specific questions related to their field of expertise.

The panelists include representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Stearns County Parks Department, National Parks Service, and City Administrators from Richmond, Cold Spring and Rockville. These experts will be available to answer questions and address concerns from audience members. Finally, after the panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to visit individual organization’s display tables for more information and handouts. Refreshments will be available including trail mix and beverages.

See Total Article At 20/20 Cold Spring

The Clean-Up

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It's the time of year when leaves need to be raked, bagged and hauled away.  Aaron and his lovely daughter decide to make cleaning up the back yard a combination of work, play and family fun.  This is a delightful piece that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Video submitted by Aaron Cheeley

CLICK ON PHOTO OR QUICKTIME TO SEE MOVIE... be patient... CAN TAKE 4 to 5 MINUTES TO DOWNLOAD (Broadband).

SPONSOR:  Mississippi Topsoils
& West Central Sanitation
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This DigElogROCORI story is co-sponsored by Mississippi Topsoils of Cold Spring and West Central Sanitation. Since 1999, Mississippi Topsoils, Inc. has been creating premium soil products under the Soil Essentials brand.  Their Potting Soil, Planting Mix, Compost, and Composted Manure are available in bags and bulk at garden centers across the Midwest. In addition, Mississippi Topsoils, Inc. has had the pleasure of working with West Central Sanitation, our area refuse and recycling company.  Together they provide a yard debris drop-off location in Cold Spring. West Central Sanitation's customers are invited to drop-off clean yard debris at no charge at Mississippi Topsoils, Inc. Both Mississippi Topsoils, Inc. and West Central Sanitation are proud to be members of the ROCORI community.

Sauk River Clean-up Plan

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The results of over a year of collaborative effort between the Sauk River Chain of Lakes, Inc. as well as representatives from eight local units of government and resource agencies were resently presented during a public meeting held in Richmond. 

Jim Egan, a key leader in the efforts, gives a concise 3 minute version of the Lakeshed Management Plan. 

It was developed to help guide the long-term improvement and management of the watersheds that affect the Sauk Chain of Lakes.

The plan is done, now is the time for action.  Volunteers are needed to help implement the Lakeshed action plan.

For more information:

Board Members

Sauk River Chain Of Lakes Association

Sauk River Watershed District 

Other Water Organizations

The Monarch Butterfly Visit...

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Have you ever had an encounter with mother nature that has you wondering what she's trying to communicate.  This little story about a monarch butterfly that came to visit us on Labor Day weekend might have a message for you too.