TO THE EDITOR:
A parent’s right to have control of their child’s education has become an important issue confronting school boards in the past year. A recent Letter to the Editor told of a mother in Little Falls whose fifth grade daughter asked about a sexting class that would be taught. When this parent questioned the school board about the curriculum in the school, both she and her daughter were punished. Blowback from the Department of Justice’s categorizing parents as “domestic terrorists” for challenging school board choices resulted in several legislative proposals to protect parents. Congressman Tom Emmer co-sponsored The Parents Bill of Rights Act, which was passed by the House on March 24, 2023. The Act recognizes a long line of U.S. Supreme Court cases upholding the fundamental rights of parents in the upbringing of their children, especially in regard to their education. The Act lists five such rights: to know what their children are being taught, to have their voice heard, to see the school budget and spending, to protect their child’s privacy, and to keep their children safe. Please thank Congressman Emmer, and ask U.S. Senators Klobuchar and Smith to lend this bill the bipartisan support it deserves.
Betsy Armstrong
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Thank you, Becker Area Senior Center (BASC) members for the gifts and recognition given us last week in appreciation for our 9 ½+ years of volunteering at BASC. The enjoyment we received during this time will never be forgotten. A little over a year ago Carol’s term on the BASC Board ended and Jerry resigned from the Board last month. We want to thank everyone in our community for the great support and encouragement given BASC and us. Prior to the opening of BASC a committee met for 1½ years to determine the needs of the Senior Citizens of our area. When the need for a gathering place for Senior Citizens was identified the City of Becker, Becker Community Education, Becker companies, and others were there to support and encourage us in getting BASC started. Ever since BASC opened their doors on August 6, 2013 the need for a Senior Center continues to be confirmed by the great participation of the citizens coming to BASC enjoying the many tours, music, and events that are available, also meeting their neighbors. We are stepping back from BASC but will continue our volunteering in other areas. Thank you for a wonderful enriching and inspirational 9 ½ + years.
Jerry & Carol Brunn
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Sherburne County Evening Commissioners Meeting: Come See How the Sausage is Made! For the first time in years, the Sherburne County Commissioners will be holding one of their bimonthly Board Meetings this next Tuesday night, April 4th, at 7 pm, to allow for a greater number of citizens to attend, as opposed to the normal 9 am meeting. This is providing you the opportunity to see how your county government works; to see what goes into determining what projects are being considered and how you property tax dollars are being spent. In other words, to see how “The Sausage is Made”! An agenda is normally posted on the Sherburne County Website a few days before the meeting. After the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the Agenda, there is an “Open Forum”, where citizens can speak to the Board. Following Open Forum, there are both “Consent Agenda”, and “Regular Agenda” items that considered everything from the mundane to the approval of grants to various entities for $10’s if not $100’s of thousands of dollars. Hoping to see a good turnout!
Bret R. Collier
Big Lake, MN
