JUNE NEWS - CITY OF BUHL ELECTION NOTICES

CITY OF BUHL

NOTICE OF OFFICES TO BE FILLED AT THE MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 for the purpose of electing candidates for the offices as listed below.

The filing for these offices is from:
May 18 to June 1, 2010
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily

The place of filing the affidavit of candidacy is the
City Clerk's Office, City Hall,
300 Jones Avenue,
Buhl, Minnesota 55713.
The filing fee for all offices is two dollars ($2.00).

OFFICES

ONE MAYOR TWO YEAR TERM
TWO COUNCILORS FOUR YEAR TERMS

PRIMARY ELECTION
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Polls Open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

GENERAL ELECTION
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Polls Open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Dated: March 17, 2010
Michael Buchanan, City Clerk

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

CITY OF BUHL
PUBLIC NOTICE

ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED

The city will require election judges to serve in the upcoming Primary Election on August 10th and the General Election on November 2nd.

Qualifications include:

• Must be an eligible voter in the county, and
• Affiliated with a major political party; an
• Able to read, write and speak English; and
• Receive training (two hours of training will be provided by the St. Louis County prior to the election)
• Cannot be a candidate in the election
• Cannot be the husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister of a candidate or another judge in the same precinct
• The city council makes the election judge appointments

PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK
ON OR BEFORE
May 28, 2010
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED

April-May 2010 Front

A Birthday Wish to Mary Seppi Mary Seppi, a resident of Buhl since she was 6, recently celebrated her hundredth birthday with a party at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center. Mary Banal Seppi came to America from Italy with her mother when she was four to meet her father who had come earlier. They moved to Buhl when she was 6. She married Ernesto Seppi and had three children—LoRetta, Ernest (Larry), and Richard. Today there are six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She has returned to Italy 11 times the first time with her husband in 1964, and she hopes to go again this year. During the party she received the key to the City of Buhl from Mayor Pulford, gifts from the Trentini Club, music from I Cantatori and her granddaughter Maria Seppi-Alanasio, and many many cards. Happy Birthday!

April-May 2010 page 1

CITY OF BUHL
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP

JUNE 7 - JUNE 10, 2010
MONDAY - THURSDAY

Please place all items for pick-up in the alley before 7:00 a.m. each day.
The city will go through the alleys and pick up the following items:
White Goods - appliances and light iron
Tires - less than 25" with or without rims
Automobile Batteries
Used Oil - Must be in tightly covered containers

The following items WILL NOT be picked up:
NO Demolition Material
NO Paint Cans
NO Gas Cans, Tanks or Propane Cylinders

ALLEY CLEAN-UP STICKER PROGRAM
The sticker program is for those items not listed above.
Stickers can be used for: furniture, carpeting, electronic appliances or other items not listed above

Stickers may be purchased at City Hall for a fee of $5.00
A $10.00 Sticker MUST be purchased for EACH box spring and mattress
A $2.00 Sticker MUST be purchased for EACH Television and Computer Monitor

Brush, leaves, and grass clippings may be disposed of at the city compost pile located by the Sewage Disposal Plant.
The St. Louis County recycling bins are for paper, plastic, glass, and tin. Please unfold all cardboard boxes before placement into the cardboard bin.

PLEASE JOIN IN THE EFFORT TO KEEP OUR CITY CLEAN AND ATTRACTIVE

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

SUMMER STREET LABOR WANTED
CITY OF BUHL
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The City of Buhl Public Works Department will hire summer labor for lawn mowing, weed whacking and other light duties.

Rate of Pay is $7.50 per hour.

Qualifications:
17+ years of age
Resident of Buhl
Completion of an employment application
Must pass a criminal background check
Completion of OSHA training as conducted by the city of Buhl
Valid Minnesota Driver's License

Employment applications are available at the City Clerk's Office
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Firday
Deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2010

April-May 2010 page 2

HAPPY SPRING FROM BUHL PARKS AND RECREATION!
Our 3rd Annual Winter Frolic has come and gone, and we welcomed our biggest crowd to date. We spent time afterwards making plans for next year's event! There will be more games, and some exciting changes! Each year we learn what works best and your board will work hard to make the next one even better. Our thanks to each one of you that participated and if you have any suggestions we would love to hear them. Thanks to all who enjoyed our great rinks this past winter.
Now our attention is turning to summer. We have many events in the planning stage and we're working hard to make the best choices for oour community. Some of the events to look forward to are:
1. A bicycle saftety day in May.We hope to have bicycle inspections, learning how to take care of your bike, safety rules for riding in our city, and end the day with a Bicycle Rodeo! We will be giving helmets to everyone that does not yet have a helmet, and when our Safety Day is over the bikers in Buhl will be the safest, smartest, coolest bikers on the Range!
2. A summer Rec program starting in June and ending with our Beach Blast at Stubler Pit. This will be a Monday through Friday program and there will be 'stuff' for every age. Watch for further bulletins about the Summer Rec program. We will post at all the ususal locations, and as many of our events will require preregistration, we will do our best to get the information out to everyone. Watch for notices at the City Hall, Library, Post Office, and Short Stop.
In the meantime, if you have suggestions or ideas you would like to see happen, leave us a note at the City Hall. this is your community, and your Parks and Rec Board wants to help keep it as good as it can be. Most of all we want you to be actively involved.

CORNERSTONE VILLA
Happy spring from everyone here at Cornerstone Villa! It's nice to see the snow is finally melting. We can't wait for the green trees, grass, and beautiful spring flowers. It has been a long winter and the residents here are anxious to get outside.
On March 17th we had a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Upper Lakes Foods prepared a festive meal for the residents to enjoy and there was a St. Patrick's Day Party with music and fun!
In april we will be busy as well! There will be Easter baskets to make, eggs to dye and lots of fun. We will also be having a volunteer appreciation brunch for all the wonderful people who volunteer their time for our residents the week of april 18th.
Do not forget Mother's Day is May 9th. Look for information on our Mother's Day Activities in our upcoming mailings. In May we also celebrate National Nursing Home Week to show our appreciation for all of our hard working staff. We have a week full of games, prizes, and lots of fun for all the staff and residents.
We hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather ahead and hope to see everyone soon!

SUMMER BASEBALL
IS COMING

Sign up for summer baseball will be in April. Watch for bulletins !!!!
Volunteer coaches are needed. Be a part of youth baseball.
Call Jesse at 969-9260 for details and questions.
Baseball season runs from June to mid July.
---------------------------------------------------

The Buhl City Council approved Resolution 10-11 which determines that the City Council will hold one meeting per month, to be held on the first Tuesday of each month, during the months of June, July and August, 2010.


BLIGHT!!
The City of Buhl, with the cooperation of the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department vigorously upholds the Blight Ordinance.
The Blight Ordinance includes, but is not limited to:
Any unused machinery, debris including non-licensed vehicles.
All grass and weeds over 12 inches long must be cut.
No owner or occupant shall allow snow, ice, dirt or rubbish to remain on the sidewalk longer than 24 hours after its deposit thereon.
These are only a few of the areas that are considered blight.
Failure to comply with the Blight Ordinance may result in a misdemeanor citation.
If you have any questions or need further information please contact City Hall at 258-3226 or the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office at 258-3353.

Overcoming the Odds
Written by the Mesabi Academy Bulldog coaches
JJ is a student who attends the Mesabi Academy High School. JJ is a sports enthusiast, who in the past school year has played football and basketball for the Mesabi Academy Bulldogs. This young lefty is a terrific running back and is really making a name for himself in basketball.
JJ is originally from Washington D.C. and has enjoyed sports his whole life. When he had the opportunity to play for the bulldogs this year he did not hesitate to sign up. JJ has accomplished a lot this year, and has broken a few school records.
These records include: most 3 point shot made in a game, with 10; and the record for individual scoring in one season, with 648 points. He also is Averaging 29.4 points per game. The Bulldogs have played 22 games this season and have won more games than ever before going into the playoffs, which were on March 9.
JJ attributes his success as a basketball player to his teammates. JJ stated, “I couldn’t have done anything without my teammates.” He also attributes his success to his parents who introduced him to the sport and believed in him as he started playing the game. JJ stated, “Without my parents pushing me to play, I never would have even picked up a basketball.”
When JJ was asked what he aspects of the sport he needs to improve on he stated, “I want to be a complete player and improve defensively. I would also like to work on passing the ball more to my teammates. Oh …… and I need to work on my right handed lay-ups.”
JJ loves the thrill that basketball instills in him and stated, “The best thing about playing basketball at Mesabi Academy is getting to travel around the area and meet the other players. It is fun to play against players you have never met.”
Every season has his ups and downs so when he was asked what he didn’t like about playing basketball this is what he said, “I hate losing, I am very competitive and I get upsets when we lose a game.” Also JJ has had a lot of constructive criticism over the course of the year and said, “I get upset when the coaches or my teammates get on my case during a game or at practice. It is frustrating when they point out the areas of the game I need to improve on, but I need to listen or I will not get better.”
JJ has had an unbelievable basketball season with the Bulldogs and we (his coaches) hope he finds that success after high school.

NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE BUHL-KINNEY
COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
On a Lenten Friday the new Bishop of Duluth came to Hibbing to meet with members of the areas Catholic churches. bishop Paul Sirba began with a Mass and we then had a social time.
At the February CCW meeting thank you messages for the Christmas gifts to Father Method, Choir Director and Organist Kathy Young, and the Northland village Assisted Living facility were read. A motion was also made and approved to send money for mitten yarn to Rose Marion (the Mitten Lady) for her donation of mittens to the Merritt Elementary School.
It is now approaching the mid point of the Lenten Season - the time of penance and atonement before the Glory of the Easter Resurrection. The preparation for and Easter Service will be found in the church bulletins.
There was a World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 5th at 1 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Chisholm. This is a yearly ecumenical event in churches throughout the country.
The St. Joseph's Annual Women's Palm sunday dinner is Sunday, March 28. Everyone is welcome. Please call St. Joseph Church office at 254-5703 for more information.
Please remember your donations for Easter church flowers. Envelopes for the flowers are in the church pews or donations may be given to Joan Kayfes.
Some thoughts for the season
"Remember always to forget
The troubles that have passed away ...
But remember to remember
The blessing of each day'
an Irish Proverb
From all the members of the CCW may your Heart and Home be Filled with the Happiness of Easter.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - BUHL COUNCIL, No. 5612
The Buhl Knights of Columbus will hold its Annual Easter Ham Bingo on Saturday March 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center. There will be 33 games for hams and 3 cash cover-all games. There will be drawings for 3 door prizes. Tickets are sold at the door. Refreshments will be sold by the youth of St. Joseph's and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Churches under the direction of Cheryl Smilanich.

BUHL-KINNEY SENIOR CENTER
The new officers for 2010 at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center are President Collin Gramm replacing Tona Swanson, and Treasurer Val Pauls replacing Vivian Agnoli. Hold over officers are Vice-President Tony Pahula and Secretary Tom Hewitt. Members are reminded that 2010 dues of $3.00 should be paid, also, new members are welcomed in visiting the center and paying the $3.00 dues.
March is National Nutrition month and is sponsored by the American Dietetics Association. To enjoy a healthy meal with most of the vitamins and minerals that you need, come and join your fellow seniors at the Buhl AEOA Dining Site. The cost is only $3.50 for those over 60 years of age and $6.50 for guests under 60. Just call 258-3978 a day previous for a reservation.

BUHL HONOR GUARD NEWS
The Honor Guard would like to thank Tapio Maki for his years of dedicated service to the Buhl Color Guard, all his work on the Buhl Kinney Great Scott Memorial and Flag Pole at the Library, work on Memorial Day Services, firing squad, and book drive for the Silver Bay Veterans Nursing Home. After 60 years he is passing his newsletter pen down to Mari Maki, Navy Veteran. I would like to thank my dad for his dedication to the Veterans of te area and instilling in his family the belief that all military personnel, past and present deserve our respect and remembrance for their service for our freedom. Please thank Tapio when you see him.
Please pray for and support our troops now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. Operation Iraqi Freedom has a total of 4,384 deaths and 31,706 wounded. In Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom there have been 1,003 deaths and 5,131 wounded. As of this time there have been 66 Minnesota deaths and 519 from Minnesota wounded. Troops from Wisconsin have been deployed to the Middle East. We pray for their safety, honor their service.
Since the last newsletter taps were played for Frank Terdan and Wesley Oliver Nurmi.
We would like to note the following veterans - in Northland Village Assisted Living Daryl Leibfried who was in the Navy during WWII; in Cornerstone Villa veterans include Edward Runnakko, George Smilanich, Otto Goerdt, Leonard Niemi, John Purkat, Ralph Hanson, and Leo Maki who served in WWII, and Gene Davey who served in the Korean War; Ervin Warden, Sam Koktovich and Godfrey Zakula are in VRMC in Virginia; Edward Trupukka is in Hillcrest Parkside in Hibbing; and Peter Devich is in the MN Veterans Home in Silver Bay.
The Rigatoni Benefit was a big success. We would like to thank everyone who supported this benefit. Special thanks go out to the volunteers for their many hours in insure its success: Gloria Pulford, John Nash, Betty Marold, Shelby Greenlee, David Pervenanze, Shari Swanson, Dale Ogren, Steve Samarja, Judy Houg, and the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center for the use of their facility. Donations were received from: John Nash, Gloria Pulford, Collin Gramm, Bev Pernat, Tom Hewitt, Barb and Rudy Krueger, R Car, Pizza Ranch, Dominoes, Valvolene, F&D Meats, Billy’s Bar, Hydaway Bar, P&H Service, Dave’s Pizza, Valentini’s, Village Inn, SuperOne, and Sunrise Bakery. Please support the various businesses that donated to our benefit. Thank you to anyone who donated that we may have missed. We apologize for this.
Due to an oversight we would like to apologize to the Great Scott Veterans and citizens for not acknowledging them in our advertising for the benefit. Please accept our apologies.
Any correspondence and donations may be sent to:
Buhl Honor Guard
PO Box 452
Buhl, MN 55713
Attn. Mark Maki
Remember to support our troops and their families for the sacrifices they make for our ongoing freedom!

First Lutheran Church
Holy Week is the first week in April and we are busy getting ready. Maundy Thursday Services we share with Messiah Lutheran in Mt. Iron beginning with a soup supper at 5:30. Good Friday Services will be at 12 Noon April 2 at First Lutheran. On Easter Sunday we will share an Easter Breakfast beginning at 7:30. Easter worship is at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us.
The following is First’s weekly schedule:
Wednesday—Bible Study at 9 a.m., call for location.
Thursday—Vicar’s Office Hours 9 a.m. to 12 Noon : Parish Nurse 12 Noon to 2 p.m.
Sunday—Service at 9 a.m. : Sunday School at 10:15 a.m.
Our answering machines are checked daily, call 258-3876 for the church, 258-3714 for the parsonage, or you can call Messiah Lutheran in Mt. Iron at 741-7057.

February News - City of Buhl

Electrical Rate Increase of 12%
To become effective February 1, 2010

Residential: From $.0675 cents to $.0755 cents per kw
Commercial: From $.0785 to $.0879 cents per kw

************************************************************

Household Grease Disposal

In January of 2010, the city lift stations were cleaned out. There was a great deal of “household grease debris” in two of the three lift stations. Please do not dispose of cooking oils/grease into your household drains or into your garbage disposal. This waste should be poured into a can, bagged and disposed of through the refuse system. The City appreciates your cooperation.

Appliance Rebate Program

The Minnesota Trade-In and Save Appliance Program will offer to you a rebate of up to $200.00 if you replace your old appliance with a new Energy Star model. The appliance must be purchased from a Minnesota vendor. The rebate timeframe is during the month of March 2010. The program specific website is www.mnappliancerebate.com. The website will be launched on February 1, 2010.

2010 Census

Households will begin receiving the 2010 census forms in March. The Census Bureau will have office staff at City Hall to answer any questions that you may have. Census workers will visit every address that does not return a census survey form.

Election 2010

In order to vote in the 2010 election, you must be registered to vote. If you have moved to Buhl or moved from one house to another in Buhl, you must complete a Minnesota Voter Registration Application. Forms are available at City Hall or on the web site at www.sos.state.mn.us

FEBRUARY NEWS

STORY TIME

WEDNESDAYS

10:00 A.M.!

BUHL PUBLIC LIBRARY

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

3RD ANNUAL

WINTER FROLIC

At the Buhl Skating Rinks

Saturday, February 13, 2010

11:00 to 2:00

Fun Games for ALL Ages

Sliding Hill
Ice Bowling
3 Man Hockey Tournament

Hot Dogs, Cupcakes and Cocoa

Fun for ALL!

brought to you by the Buhl Parks and Rec Board

JANUARY NEWS

Not a very busy month coming up but I thought I would post a few things:

The winners of Buhl's Christmas Lighting Contest are as follows: Mike and Nicole Erickson, Ted and Cheri Kivi, Susan Thompson and Beth Knight, and Jolene Gilbert. Honorable mention are: Craig and Polly Kohler, Mike and Gail Schmidt, Jim & Sue Milich, Paulette & Dwayne Walters, Paula Fannell, and Jeff & Gayle Pelkey. Included here are some pictures taken on a very cold night through a car's backseat window. Thank you everyone who so nicely decorated their homes for the Holidays.



















HOT READS FOR COLD NIGHTS ADULT READING CLUB BEGINS ON JANUARY 19TH. ALL ADULTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME IN AND SIGN UP AND GET PRIZES FOR READING THROUGH MARCH 19TH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE LIBRARY AT 258-3391!

CHRISTMAS PARTY PICTURES ARE ON-LINE AT THE LIBRARY'S HOME PAGE. CLICK ON KIDSPLAY! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COLOR PRINTER THE LIBRARY HAS COPIES AVAILABLE FOR YOU.
---------------------------------------------------------------
We received the following from the City of Buhl late last year: The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency has received stimulus funds to weatherize 1,210 homes in St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. If you are interested in receiving assistance for weatherization/saving energy costs, please contact: AEOA at 218-749-2812 or see the application Online at www.aeoa.org

Winter is HERE! Please pay attention to posted parking regulations!

Have a Good Month Everyone!

Our First On-Line Issue

The first on-line issue of Buhl's Finest of Times follows. If you have any ideas on how to make it better please let us know. We have put all the news, no ads or flourishes. Hope you like it. Editor

December 2009 Activities

LEARN HOW TO MAKE
ORIGAMI
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
TUESDAY
DECEMEMBER 15, 2009 4:00 P.M.
At the Buhl Public Library FREE

BUHL PUBLIC LIBRARY
29TH ANNUAL DECK THE HALLS
CHRISTMAS PARTY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009
2:30 P.M.
CRAFTS, GAMES, SNACKS
Special Guest

Buhl
Christmas Lighting Contest
Wednesday
December 16, 2009
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Lights must be on to be judged.

Buhl Fire Department
will be handing out candy on
Sunday, December 20th starting at 2:00 p.m.

Stations are:
2:00 p.m. In front of the school.
2:20 p.m. At the Fire Hall.
2:40 p.m. At the intersection of Sharon and Seville
3:00 p.m. At the Skating Rink

LOOK FOR OUR LIGHTS!!

Wii Gaming
at the Library
December 28—31, 2009
You can play, for example:
Guitar Hero, Mario Kart, Sports Resort, Wii Sports,
Super Smash Brothers Brawl, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympics (summer).
To schedule your play time in advance call
258-3391.

Brunch with books
January 14, 2010 - 9:15 a.m.
Share your favorite reads.
All welcome.

December 2009

BUHL FIRE AND EMS
Winter has arrived, please check fire hydrants in your area. Keep them shoveled for fire department access.
The Fire Department and Ambulance Service has openings for volunteers. If you have an interest please contact the City or Fire Department for more information. Meetings are the first Monday of Each month at the Fire Hall starting at 7:00 p.m.
Ambulance attendants would appreciate that sidewalks be shoveled for access to homes. If you have a neighbor that needs assistance please help them out as time in a medical emergency is critical.
Mark Maki will be retireing from the department March 1, 2010 after 22 years. Thank you for your years of service. The new training officer for the department is Ed Gundy.
Although we are seldom seen, we are ready to answer a call for help day or night. We volunteer our time for a better community and to assist our neighbors at times of need. Thank a voluntter for his or her service.

CITIZENS OF BUHL
The City of Buhl has the following volunteer vacancies:
Recreation Board: Two (2) vacancies.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month.
Long-Range Planning Committee: Two (2) vacancies. Meetings are held quarterly on the second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November.
Library Board: Three (3) vacancies.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission: One (1) vacancy. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month..
ALL SEATS EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2012
If you would like to apply for one of these positions, please contact the City Clerk in writing at: City of Buhl P.O. Box 704, Buhl MN 55713

BUHL-KINNEY SENIOR CENTER
The Annual christmas Party sponsored by the Arrowhead Senior Nutrition Program will be held at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center Dinning Site on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. The menu is: sparkling punch, holiday chicken kiev, heavenly rice pilaf, glazed carrots, Christmas red fruited Jell-O, Yuletide pistachio yum hum dessert. The Contribution for anyone age 60 or over is $3.50, and $6.50 for guests under age 60. Please call 258-3978 to make a reservation. The deadline for reservations is December 18th!
The Buhl-Kinney Senior Center will hold its annual member Christmas Party on Thursday, December 17, at 5 p.m. A ham dinner, catered by Patty Pagarelc, cook at Mesabi Academy, will be served. The cost of the dinner is $8.00 for a member or guest. There will be the usual Christmas Caroling, and two half hams will be raffled off. Members are also invited to bring a food parcel or money as a contribution to the local food shelf. Members or prospective members are invited to pay their 2010 dues, which remain at $3.
Due to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years' Holidays, the Senior Dining Site will be closed on Thursday, December 24th, Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1, 2010. If anyone would like to receive a frozen meal for these days please call the Dining Site at 735-8480 by Friday, December 11 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Buhl-Kinney Senior Center held its last regular meeting of the year on December 8, and one important issue was the election of a president and treasurer. The terms of President Tona Swanson and Treasurer Vivian Agnoli expired. A nominating committee was appointed by President Swanson to come up with candidates for those two positions. Also at this meeting it was decided to donate $100 to the Mesabi Academy for Christmas gifts for the residents. The members felt this gesture was in thanks for the work done by the students at the monthly dinners at the senior Center. Any individual may also make a contribution towards this cause by visiting the Center with your contribution.
The November 12th Veterans Party at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center, sponsored by the AEOA office was a huge success. Some 55 people turned out for the event, 26 of whom were veterans. George Smilanich gave a very interesting resume of his World War II experience in the European Theater. He also shared accounts of his recent trips to Belgium, where the Belgians still honor his army unit for saving their country from the Germans.

BUHL HONOR GUARD NEWS
Please pray for and support our troops now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. The heavy fighting is now in Afghanistan. Our president is planning on sending 30,000 more troops there so the total will be over 100,000 serving in the area. The generals in charge say they need that many more troops to win the war. President Obama said that it would be at least two more years before he can start bring troops home. Think of the cost in lives lost and changed. As of the beginning of December 2009 4,370 lives have been lost in Iraq and 925 lives in Afghanistan. As of this time their have been 66 Minnesota deaths and 519 from Minnesota wounded. Buhl - Kinney - and Great Scott have been very fortunate that of all the men and women from our area who have served in the armed forces since these wars have begun, all are still safe, either at home or in the service. Thank God. Please keep praying for those who continue our country.
We want to thank the AEOA for the free dinner at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center on November 12th - serving area veterans in honor of Veteran's Day. Many came and brought their spouses with them. We hope that you all remembered Pearl Harbor Day on December 7th. This is the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II.
Since the last newsletter taps were played for Theodore Finstad and Ray Olander.
We would like to note the following veterans - in Northland Village Assisted Living Daryl Leibfried who was in the Navy during WWII; in Cornerstone Villa veterans include Edward Runnakko, George Smilanich, Otto Goerdt, Leonard Niemi, and Londo Scipioni who served in WWII, and Gene Davey who served in the Korean War; Ervin Warden, Sam Koktovich and Godfrey Zakula are in VRMC in Virginia; Edward Trupukka is in Hillcrest Parkside in Hibbing; and Peter Devich is in the MN Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF BUHL –CLERK’S OFFICE
Electricity sold for residential use is not taxable for the billing months of November-April, when sold to metered customers who use electricity as their PRIMARY source of residential heat. This means that you would not utilize natural gas, fuel oil, propane or wood to heat your home.
Some Buhl customers have already received a letter and form to fill out for the exemption from sales tax. If you heat your home primarily with electricity and did not receive a form in the mail, please contact City Hall for an exemption form.
Holiday Greetings to you from the City of Buhl !

CORNERSTONE VILLA
Season’s Greetings from everyone here at Cornerstone Villa. It’s hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner. We would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that due to the amount of illness in the community, we will be canceling our Christmas Tea on December 12th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We want to ensure that our residents stay healthy. We will be having a Christmas party for our residents on December 23rd at 1:30 p.m. with music by Bill Buchwitz. We ask that if any family members would like to bring a gift for their loved one to open, please bring it to the activity department with their name on it no later than December 21 st.
We ask families of our residents to only decorate resident rooms with artificial trees and wreaths as real greenery is a fire hazard. Also please do not use any extension cords.
On December 31st we will be having a New Year’s Eve party for our residents. There will be music by Dick & the Tag-A-Longs and lots of goodies and fun.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Happy Holidays from the Parks and Recreation Department
Getting ready for family, friends, and celebrating the holidays together is a busy, wonderful time. Whether your family comes to you or you travel to them, the Parks and Recreation Board hope you have a safe, warm, wonderful time.
Hopefully when you read this newsletter the rinks will be open and busy. Each year, our goal is to be more successful than the last, and everyone has a safe, fun, place to go during the long months of winter. If you haven’t tried skating yet, maybe this is the year to do so.
Our 3rd Annual Winter Frolic will be Saturday, February 13, 2010. Watch for further announcements.
Reminder, Parks and Recreation welcomes suggestions, and the door is always open at our meetings.
For now, let’s celebrate the holidays with thankfulness and hope that the coming year will be even better than the last.

THE BUHL KINNEY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWS AND NOTES
At the December meeting Jan Thompson reported on the Duluth Diocesan CCW Meeting at Cross Lake Minnesota October 20th. We voted to give money to the Knights of Columbus to help pay for the new vestments given to Father Method on Priest's Appreciation Sunday. It was also voted to give a check of Our Lady of Sacred Heart for the annual Heat Fund.
There are flower fund envelopes in the church pews. You may use the envelopes for your donation and put it in the Sunday collection basket or give it to Joan Kayfes.
The Church Cleaning for Christmas was on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The cleaning committee is to be commended for a job well done. Their last meeting of the 2009 year was held immediately after the cleaning.
Two reminders:
The Knights of Columbus Food Donation for the less fortunate in the back of the church. Please remember to donate.
The CCW has a box in the back of the church fo The Annual Caring and Sharing Program for the residents of Cornerstone Villa and Northland Village Assisted Living. The gifts are to be wrapped and labeled man or woman and whether the gift is to be for a resident of Cornerstone Villa or Northland Village.
Holiday Mass Times and Locations are as follows:
Thursday, December 24 - 5:00 p.m. - Chisholm
Thursday, December 24 - 8:00 p.m. - Buhl
Friday, December 25 - 8:00 a.m. - Buhl
Friday, December 25 - 10:00 a.m. - Chisholm
Thursday, December 31 - 5:00 p.m. - Chisholm
Friday, January 1 - 8:00 a.m. - Buhl
from Christmas Daybreak, by Christina Rossetti
Before the paling of the stars
Before the winter morn
Before the earliest cockcrow,
Jesus Christ was born!
Born in a stable
Cradled in a manger
In the world his hands had made,
Born a stranger.
The women of the Buhl CCW wish all a Blessed Christmas and a joyfully fulfilling New Year!!!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
BUHL COUNCIL, NO. 5612
The Annual Turkey Bingo of the Buhl K. of C. held on November 21st at the Buhl-Kinney Senior Center was very successful, and the KCs want to thank any and all who had a hand in its success. The winner of the $100 door prize was Virginia Rewartz of Kinney, and the two $50 winners were Richinda Blanchard and Trevor Angellar, both from Kinney. We also appreciate the help of the Youth of St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart churches, led by Cheryl Smilanich, in serving refreshments.
The Light Up For Christ Ceremony conducted by the Buhl KCs on Tuesday, December 1, was well attended. Some 25 people gathered at the Creche at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church at 8 p.m. to carry on the KC tradition of reminding people that Christmas is a time for reflection on Christ as the true meaning of Christmas. The Buhl KCs recognize the work of Stan Kuberka and Sue & Jim Milich in erecting the manger scene on the church grounds. Pastor, Father Method led the group in prayer and singing. After the ceremony the group went to the social hall for cookies and cider prepared by the Sokoloski family.
The Buhl K of C are again collecting food parcels or money during the Sundays of December for distribution to needy families in the area and to the local food shelf. Parishioners or others are asked to put food items in a bag and bring them to the back of the church in a designated box.
The Annual Christmas Party of the Buhl Knights of Columbus will be held on Sunday, December 13, at the church social hall with refreshments being served at 5:30 p.m. and a catered dinner served at 7 p.m. There will be the usual singing of Christmas Carols and a raffle of many gifts donated by area merchants. It is on this occasion that the Buhl Knights honor all clergy, choir members, eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, prayer chain captains, altar and church decorators, or any others who serve the church in some capacity.
The Buhl K. of C. will continue its practice of delivering Christmas fruit baskets to families in the community who have experienced some misfortune or trauma during the past year. Stan Kuberka and Phil Kinsman have carried on the task of distribution for many years. The Buhl K of C also recognizes the work of Shirley Kuberka and putting the fruit baskets together.
It is unfortunate that caroling at Cornerstone Villa, scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, had to be canceled by the administration of Cornerstone because of the swine flu epidemic. The Cornerstone Villa assured the KCs that they look forward to continuing this well-received community response next year.
Looking ahead - the Buhl KCs will serve a pancake breakfast at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heat church on Sunday, January 17, 2010 starting at 8:30 a.m. - for $5.00. The public is invited.
The Buhl Knights of Columbus Council 5612 members wish to extend a Merry Christmas to all of the readers of the Finest of Times as we celebrate the birht of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
CHRISTMAS NEWS
The Sunday School Christmas Program Joy Is At Hand is being held during church services on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to stay afterwards when we will have Christmas Treats and decorate the Church for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th there will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:00 p.m. All ARE welcome!! We hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

December Edition

The next edition of the Buhl's Finest of Times will come out on or before December 12, 2009. The deadline for articles will be December 8, 2009. Please bring them to the Buhl Public Library or e-mail them to the address on this blog. Thank you.