Summer parades Members of the Tri-County American Legion Post #124 marched in the Growler The year 2009 was a busy one for the communities of Motley, Pillager and Leader; with many colorful stories documented in black and white newsprint over the past twelve months.

In spite of the country’s present tough economic situation, a few new businesses have sprung up in the area; and some major infrastructure projects continue to move forward in Motley, including street improvements (Beaulieu Street area); and a new wastewater treatment facility (estimated to be in operation by 2012).

Plenty of hunting and fishing took place in the area; and county fairs in both Motley and Pillager were well attended again this past summer.

Some of the past year’s highlights are featured below:

January

o Motley Mayor Konrad Alexander, back for a second term in office, presided over the first regular council meeting of the year Jan. 13. Motley City Council members for 2009 include incumbents Nancy Nieken and Rob Sampson; and newcomers Duane Solga and Rena Underhill. Underhill later resigned and former council member Bruce Mills was reinstated April 14.

Swapping stories Motley Mayor Konrad Alexander (right) spent time talking with people in the community during the Two Rivers Music Fest this past July in Motley. Pictured with the mayor is Don Delude of Motley. (Staples World archive photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) o Motley’s new wastewater treatment facility plan (WWTF) was the focus of a special city council meeting held Jan. 6.

Updates of the plan were given by representatives of the MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency); the city’s engineering firm Widseth, Smith & Nolting; and financial advisor David Drown.

The project is estimated to cost about $3 million; and if all goes well, the city is hoping the WWTF will be in operation by 2012.

o After 31 years of serving the First Baptist Church in Pillager, Pastor Bob Osell and his wife Darlene said ‘goodbye.’ A surprise program/party was held in their honor Jan. 17; with over 250 people in attendance.

Reunion in Pillager Former Pillager High School classmates (and some family members) enjoyed the many festivities planned for the school o About 2,000 people stepped out on the ice of Lake Alexander Jan. 31, to take part in the 18th annual fishing contest and raffle, hosted by the Lincoln Lakes Area Business Association.

February

o About a dozen people met at Mr. Ed’s in Motley, to participate in a Town Hall Meeting led by State Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton.

The purpose of the meeting was to gather public input about the tough issues facing the legislature this session; and to answer questions from the public which covered a variety of issues, including taxes, busing, a proposed community center in Motley; and the Green Acres law.

o A ‘Snow Golf Tournament’ was held Feb. 21, on Lake Alexander in Cushing. The event was hosted by the Lincoln Scandia Valley Lions Club; with the Castaway Bar & Grill providing support staff.

o The congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Motley, worshiped for the first time in their new sanctuary on Feb. 22, Transfiguration Sunday.

The service began, however, in their old church building, located at 3rd Avenue South in Motley since 1954. Construction on the new building began in August, 2008; and the old church was torn down the following March. Prior to the church’s move to Motley, it was located on the north side of Cass County #34. The old foundation is still visible.

March

o “Food Share Month” was a success at both the Motley and Pillager Area Food shelves, with over $20,000 worth of donations reported between the two during March.

The Motley Area Food Shelf met their goal of raising $15,000 during “Food Share Month;” and in Pillager, approximately $5,700 was collected.

Due to the country’s recession, both the Motley and Pillager Area Food Shelves reported a signifi- cant increase in the numbers of families needing their services.

o Heart and Hands Ministry (located in the old Motley United Methodist Church) held it’s first garage sale/open house March 14. Heart and Hands is a non-profit organization which hopes to generate income (by means of a thrift store) that will be used to meet basic needs of people in the community.

Because the thrift store was located in an area not zoned for commercial, a public hearing was held March 17, to discuss the rezoning needed in order for the ministry to continue. The Motley City Council , in April, later approved an Ordinance Amendment for the Downtown Mixed Use & Land Use Matrix.

April

o Musicians from as far away as Fargo traveled to Pillager April 4, to take part in the 25th Annual Fiddler’s Contest, sponsored by the Pillager Fairboard.

“It’s always a popular event,” said Arnie Cole, fairboard president. “I think we had almost 600 people in the audience this year.”

Held at the Pillager High School gym, the event showcased the talents of 25 fiddlers, ranging in age from eight and a half years, to near eighty.

o LeRoy Smith was named Pillager’s 2009 ‘Citizen of the Year.’ A special trophy was presented to LeRoy at the 25th Annual Fiddler’s Contest.

o BRICKS Travel Plaza, located along Hwy 10 in Motley, opened April 14. The establishment (formerly known as the El Ray) is owned by Joe and Susie Brichacek; and Joe’s parents, Brad and Pat Brichacek; all of whom live south of Staples.

May

o Sharon Williams, of the Leader area, spent nearly six weeks at the St. Cloud Hospital, following a freak accident that happened May 3, at her home. While helping her husband, Glenn, trim trees, Sharon was struck by a falling Boxelder limb. She sustained several broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken vertebrae; and later developed pneumonia at the hospital. It was very moving, Sharon said, to be welcomed home after her long hospital stay by so many friends and relatives.

o Law enforcement officers from Morrison County joined forces May 22, saturating the area along Hwy 10 near Motley, focusing on seatbelt enforcement. Participants included Motley Police Chief Brian Madison; Royalton Police Chief Adam Gunderson; Morrison County Deputy Sheriff Al Yoder; and Randall Police Chief Bill Vanden Avond. In a four hour period, a total of 46 cars were stopped; and 22 warnings and 22 citations given.

o It was a big night for Motley’s maintenance department May 26. At their regular meeting held that evening, the Motley City Council approved the purchase of a new skid steer; a zero-turn mower; and a sewer camera. They also approved investing in mosquito and dust control. Money budgeted for 2009 was used to purchase the much-needed equipment.

June

o It was 25 years ago June 14, that two Burlington Northern coal trains collided head-on near Motley, bursting into flames on a single track line; and leaving three men dead amidst the wreckage.

The crash occurred in a wooded area about a mile south of the intersection of Hwy 210 and the Bridgeman Road in May Township. Many volunteer firefighters worked non-stop for nearly 23 hours.

In the June 11, 2009 edition of the Staples World, some Motley residents shared memories of that fateful day, including former firefighter and engineer Mark Frisk, who wore two hats that day.

o Approximately 4,700 head of cattle were auctioned off at a special 28th Anniversary Feeder Sale at the Tri-County Livestock Auction in Motley. Hundreds of people came from all over for the event June 10, and were treated to a free meal (including steaks, brats and potato salad).

o The owner of Tri- County Livestock Auction at Motley was charged with the theft of cattle at a sales barn he owns in Watertown, South Dakota. Joe Varner, 52, of Pierz, was arrested June 23, at the Fergus Falls Livestock Auction. Varner, who has pleaded not guilty, had been scheduled to go on trial in September, 2009; but the trial was moved to Jan. 4, 2010. In a phone conversation with the Staples World June 29, Varner said that the case would have to make its way through court. “I’m in the business of selling cattle, not stealing them,” he said, adding that other than that, he had no comment.

July

o Motley Fire Chief Troy Davis steps down after 20 years of service; and a new slate of leaders comes on board. At their regular meeting July 14, the Motley City Council approved the Motley Fire Department’s recent election results: Dave Greig, Fire Chief; Bryan Hutchison, 1st Asst. Chief; and Steve Dille, 2nd Asst. Chief. Davis officially retired the following September.

o Thousands of people attended two area events the last weekend in July: The Growler’s Gathering in Leader (featuring pig races, a parade and the Grand Growler contest): and the Two Rivers Music Fest in Motley (featuring a parade and a variety of musical acts - including Johnny Green and the Greenmen).

August

o Just two months after it opened for business, a fire in the basement of the Lin Club Aug. 24, has temporarily closed the supper club down. Owner Bob Boyd said he had hoped to re-open sometime in the fall; but it may be spring, 2010, before the Lincoln Lakes area restaurant/bar will be back in business. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical.

o Big Boyz Truck & Tire opened Aug. 4, in Motley. Owned by Jon and Karie Alexander of Bertha, the full-service operation features car/truck repair; a car/truck wash; and shower facilities. Formerly, Big Boyz was known as the El Ray Truck Wash. There were some planning and zoning issues to deal with along the way, but the Alexanders’ purchase agreement became official in December.

September

o Pillager School held its Centennial Celebration Aug. 11 and 12. Alumni came from all over the U.S. for the special event, including parts of California, Iowa, Oregon and Minnesota.

At the kick-off gathering held in the PHS gym, current students had the chance to hear from several alumni speakers, including playwright Roy Booth, class of 1983; and Elzie Gerrels, Class of 1952.

Other Centennial events held over the weekend included a football game, a 5K race, a family festival, fireworks and individual class reunions.

October

o Esther Montgomery Johnson, a 1929 graduate of Motley High School, reminisced about her growing up years in a Crow Wing Currents column entitled, ‘Whatever happened to...?’ Esther, who recently turned 100 years old, currently lives in Seattle and still plays piano for her church.

She remembers well her childhood and attending school at MHS. Some of her favorite memories? Playing on the girls basketball team which won state champ for two years (she was a team captain); and being named a co-valedictorian along with her friend, Mary (Parker) Morey. Esther hopes to visit Motley sometime this spring.

o Motley Fire Hall was remodeled in October, thanks to volunteers with the Motley Fire Department and the MFD Relief Association. The project included moving walls, re-painting, adding wainscoting, creating a lockable office and putting in a lounge/shared meeting room.

November

o Motley Fire Department’s brand new #3 truck arrived, purchased from a company in South Dakota. The truck (a Freightliner) cost approximately $192,523 and was paid for with money from the fire fund. It replaces the old #3 truck which the city has had since 1979.

o Ron Williams of the Leader area, won the ‘Big Buck’ contest at the Bear’s Den during deer hunting season. Williams’ buck, shot opening weekend, was a 10-pointer and weighed 220 pounds.

December

o Over $10,600 was raised at a benefit dinner/ silent auction held at the United Methodist Church of Motley Dec. 5, to help defray medical expenses for Donna Nadeau and family of Villard Township.

Donna, a 45 year old mother of four was diagnosed with Malignant Glioma, a form of brain cancer, on June 18, 2009.

o The Pillager Lions Club is celebrating 25 years of service to the Pillager community.

Since they first started meeting in 1984, with a handful of charter members, the group has grown to approximately 30; and has raised nearly $1 million dollars along the way...all of which has been donated back to the community.