TO THE EDITOR:
The Friends of the Becker Library would like to thank the following for their particiaption in contributing to the success of our recent book sale: the many who generously donated books and media materials, the Becker Library staff for assistance, the community center staff for their coperation and use of space, the many volunteers preparing for the sale, setting up, and working during the sale, and especially all of you who attended the sale and purchased the books and media. Without all of you, our book sale would not have been a success. We were able to raise over $1,000 for enhancing the library programs for our community this coming year. Thank you all. We hope to see you again at our Christmas sale in early December.
Friends of the Becker Library
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Great River Energy/Coal Creek Station/Connexus.In response to Mr. VanBuren’s letter published 8/5/21, I agree with his suggestion but it appears that his letter was published too late as the Star Tribune published an article on 7/31/21 describing how Great River Energy (GRE) has approved the sale of Coal Creek, meaning that the plant will continue to operate, providing low cost, reliable base load power. (Even when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shinning) But this Tribune article also stated that GRE’s largest member Connexus, voted against the deal. Connexus board members would rather close Coal Creek and have its customers pay higher cost for less dependable electricity. This makes me question whether we have the correct people sitting on the Connexus board. These directors are elected for either a 3 or 4 year period, depending on the district, so next time you get a ballot in the mail, don’t throw it out, find out what they actually stand for and vote accordingly.
Bret R. Collier
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Giving credit where it’s deserved: Proper credit often goes unissued where it is deserved. Our community is very fortunate to have Bartt Gevens and Josh Kuha creating and leading the way for recreational opportunities in Becker. I have had the privilege of serving on the Parks and Rec Committee for the last couple of years and admire the hard work Bartt and Josh have put in to our local parks and recreational activities. Among other projects, these two have been instrumental in remodeling the warming house at Kolbinger Park, rebuilding Carl E. Johnson park, installing a dog park, and putting the finishing touches on new pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a new splash pad. Please take the time to thank these men for their hard work and get out and enjoy these opportunities!
Ben Johnson
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Dept. of Education proposed revisions to the standards for teaching social studies in our K-12 classrooms. Those revisions would have drastically changed what would be taught about American history and civics. Thousands of Minnesotans opposed those revisions, submitted comments to MDE, and they were withdrawn -- an all-too-rare example of citizens’ voices being heard. Let’s do it again! We cannot rest on our laurels. A second draft has now been issued. The MDE webpage at: education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/stds/soc/ provides links to the revised standards and an e-mail address where you can send comments -- the deadline is 4 p.m., August 16, 2021. The Center for the American Experiment raised citizen awareness of the problems with the first draft. CAE has posted an analysis of the revised draft at: raiseourstandardsmn.com, which states “The theme of oppression, marginalization, group identity, and absent narratives drives the second draft standards and benchmarks. Students will learn that their self-concept centers around their racial/gender group identity, and that limiting oppression narratives, not facts, is the lens through which all social studies content should be viewed. This is Critical Race Theory in action, and it must be rooted out of the standards!
Russ Armstrong
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
The Becker school board has agreed to live stream the August 18, 2021, special session which will be held from 5:30-7:00 pm. Presenters will be (1) Minnesota Education, an affiliate of the National Education Association which advocates for the teaching of Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools; and (2) OutFront MN, a LGBTQ advocacy group. It is important that we know the influences that our school board is receiving as it decides what actions to take. This special session will be helpful in providing us with that information. To access the meeting, go to https://www.becker.k12.mn.us/home/school-board, scroll down to “Meetings available via Zoom,” and click on the link to join the webinar on August 18 at 5:30 pm. If you are unable to join the live stream, a recorded session will eventually be available under “Recorded Meetings” at that web address. Any questions or comments, or a request that other points of view also be live streamed and recorded can be directed to the school board members, listed on the school board website.
Betsy Armstrong
Becker, MN
