Re-naming Big Island

I was sorry to hear that at the May 27 County Board meeting in Hibbing the SLC board voted to rename Big Island at Pelican Lake "Big Strand Island" after the person who sold it (I understand it was sold and not donated) to the state. This issue came up several months ago when Commissioners Nelson and Forsberg mentioned that Rep. Rukevina wanted this to happen as he had indicated to Mr. Strand this would happen and he expected commissioners to make sure it would happen. Commissioners asked Bois Forte elders for feedback and they responded by suggesting that if the island name was going to be changed, they would like to see it go back to the original Indian name, Gitchee Miniss. Several commissioners ignored the Bois Forte elders request as well as feedback of members of another family who had connections to the island who spoke against it being named Strand Island. SLC Board went ahead and changed the name to Big Strand Island. It seems to be another slap in the face to our Native American brothers and sisters whose ancestors inhabited this land long before any of us newcomers. The process appears questionable to me. I am pleased that Commissioners Sweeney and O'Neil voted against the change, but unfortunately their votes did not prevail.

Raukar and Fink Harassment Charges

http://www.northernmnnews.com/page2.html

Some of these charges have now become Federal EEOC charges.

The details are important

Of particular relevance to worksite behavior http://northernmnnews.com/Raukar%20Investigation.pdf
Page 8, 15, 17 of the pdf give details the actions that brought about part of the complaint against Raukar.

Reported advances, attempts to glean information about personal interactions with other employees and his attempts to quiet the person who complained.


http://northernmnnews.com/Fink%20Investigation.pdf
The Fink Investigation
EEOC charges have been filed.

Chris Jensen Pharmacy Contract Re-Visited?

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on June 10th the St Louis County Board will decide if the Falk's Pharmacy contract for providing service to the Chris Jensen Nursing Home will be considered by the Board at their subsequent meeting or not. While there seems to be overwhelming evidence that Falk's is no longer the best option for the county, some Board members continue to support them.
Consider the following:

• It is estimated that the county would save $60,000-$100,000 a year by switching to another vendor
• Every other nursing home in Duluth has switched from using Falk's
• The SLC Jail discontinued it's contract with Falk's years ago
• The last Chris Jensen Director and also senior staff have consistently indicated that their facility would be best served by getting a new provider of pharmacy services
• For several years there have been concerns about the number of mistakes made; overall service has not been good

• Falk's has not kept up with the technology that is presently the industry standard

So, why are some commissioners still wanting to stick with Falk's? This is a mystery! Contact YOUR commissioner to let them know of your concern. Come to the Board meeting, see democracy in action!