Working Together Coalition for Safe And Healthy Families

Published: Wednesday, July 20, 2011

An amazing time was had July 9, as 12 teams competed in the second Amazing Race in Walker. The competition is a fundraising event for the HOWA Family Center, Northern Cass Kinship Partners, and the Working Together Coalition. The event brought in about $5,000 for these organizations.

Teams competed in either the Competitive or Family Division. In the Competitive Division, the team of Together Coalition Time, sponsored by Northway Group, took first place in 63 minutes. Team members were LeeAnn Sampson, Jake Mongan, Nick Bunio and Patience Hanson. Finishing second was the Lowe Family team, sponsored by Lowe Electric. Laura and Bryan Paskvan, MacKenzie Lowe, Miki Lowe and Chris Paskvan were only two minutes back.

Taking first in the Family Division was the Birch Lake Counseling team in 67 minutes. Team members were Mike and Shannon Daugherty, Grant Dietrich, Abby Daugherty and Isaac Daugherty. “In It To Win It” took second place with a time of 73 minutes. Lindquist Consulting sponsored the team of Geri Sargent, Nate Peterson, Abby Peterson, Amber Gapinski, Tyler Stewart and Rainice Campbell.

Each leg of the course was followed by a challenge for one or all of the team members to complete. There were seven challenges and four “minute to win it” events, including a canoe and casting challenge sponsored by Walker Rotary, a grocery cart relay sponsored by SuperOne Foods, the doggy obstacle course sponsored by the Gapinski family, a firebuilding challenge, the fireman’s relay sponsored by the Walker Fire Department and a dance line competition sponsored by Just For Kix.

The Minute to Win It events had participants carry minnows in their mouth, remove junk from their trunk, pass wet sponges with feet, knees and elbows, and a challenge sponsored by the Working Together Coalition using fatal vision goggles.

Prizes included Moondance Jam tickets, sightseeing plane rides, tickets to Northern Lights Casino events, passes to Pirate’s Cove and The Lodge Water Park, movie tickets at Bear Pause Theater, a week-end stay at Chase on the Lake, golfing at Tianna Country Club and Long Bow Golf Course, a pool party with Subway party platter at the Walker Country Inn, a weekend stay at Broadwater Lodge or Hyde-Away-Bay, certificates to Mall of America attractions, all-day pontoon rental and fishing package at Woman Lake Lodge and a $50 gift card from Walker Home Center. More than 50 community volunteers helped make this an amazing event for everyone.

Published by Pines & Lakes
Alcohol compliance checks were conducted recently on 12 local businesses licensed to sell alcohol beverages. The checks were coordinated by the Cass County Sheriff's Department and the Working Together Coalition. Two
students assisted Law Enforcement as underage buyers. The underage youth entered these businesses and attempted to illegally purchase alcoholic beverages. Congratulations to all the businesses, there was 100 percent compliance. The efforts of the following businesses are commended for not selling to the underage buyers... CLICK TO READ MORE

Published by Pines & Lakes
'Project Sticker Shock' to target adults who provide alcohol to youth. "Adults need to set a better example for kids," said Adam Young, Walker- Hackensack-Akeley Teens Leading the Way Student. "When adults supply alcohol to youth it sends us a very mixed message. Underage drinking is not a teen problem, but a community problem. We all need to work together to come up with a solution".CLICK TO READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Working Together Coalition (WTC) has had lots of positive feedback about various initiatives aimed
at curbing underage drinking and substance abuse among youth. Speaking to the Cass County Board July 5 at the Land Department in Backus, Kelly Felton said that Project Sticker Shock was especially welcomed by owners and managers of several off-sale establishments. In late May, just before high school graduation and Memorial Day weekend, students from the Walker- Hackensack-Akeley, Pine River-Backus and Northland Community School Districts and WTC adult volunteers went to participating stores to apply special informational stickers to multi-packs of alcoholic beverages... READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley fourth-grade student Emily Hopen decorated her “Above the Influence” T-shirt. The students received and decorated a T-shirt after completing “Keep a Clear Mind,” an award-winning drug educational program for students and their parents set up by the Cass County Working Together Coalition.... READ MORE

Published by Pines & Lakes
The Pine River-Backus Family Center is now hosting a course to educate bar and restaurant servers on the legal dangers of serving alcohol to minors as well as over-serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons. The Responsible Beverage Server Training is sponsored by the Working Together Coalition. The Working Together Coalition started the Responsible Beverage Server Training in 2006 with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services. The class is offered free of charge, and is often taken by newly-hired servers of restaurants and bars...CLICK TO READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Parent Connection is a group of committed parents who want to build strong relationships with other parents so that together, we can build our youth to be healthy, safe and responsible. The Parent Connection has recently been established through the Working Together Coalition, which is a large group of citizens from the WHA area who are working hard to prevent substance use by our youth through community collaboration. READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cass County Attorney Christopher Strandlie was honored May 11 by Minnesota Lawyer magazine as a 2011 Up and Coming Attorney, at an awards luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Each year, Minnesota Lawyer honors a group of lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their legal careers. The 27 honorees came from private practice, government work and inhouse legal departments and were nominated by members of the Minnesota legal community. READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Youth development professionals and management from Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota will be gathering at Chase on the Lake Wednesday through Friday for the annual Rendezvous Training, where they will share ideas and experiences, social network, and participate in trainings that speak directly to the Boys & Girls Club Movement. READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Prescription Drug Take-Back Event April 30, Sheriff Tom Burch reported. Cass County had three sites available for residents to drop off their prescription drugs: Cass Lake City Hall, Cass County Sheriff’s Office in Walker and the Lake Shore City Hall. More than 45 pounds prescriptions drugs were collected at the sites. Cass County, along with the DEA, appreciated the public’s initiative in taking advantage of this valuable opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription
drugs, said Burch. Preventing these readily- available and potentially deadly drugs from being diverted and misused is something each and every one of us can do to help reduce the epidemic of prescription drug abuse that is harming so many Americans. READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch spoke April 12 at the Walker Rotary meeting. Burch, a lifelong Cass County resident who has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, is a founding member of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and has completed the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Supervisory Management Series. In addition to being on the Board of Directors for the Crisis Line and Referral Service, as well as the Northwest Juvenile Training Center, he is active in many community events and fundraising efforts and has extensive experience in grant writing and administrative management. Burch is also committed to enhancing the services provided to Cass County residents through programs such as TRIAD, the Chaplaincy Initiative, the Lakes Area Dive Team, the Mounted Posse and Working Together Coalition.

News Release
Alcohol Compliance Checks completed February 23, 2011
Alcohol compliance checks were conducted the evening of February 23, 2011 on eleven local businesses’ which
are licensed to sell alcohol beverages. The checks were coordinated by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department
and the Working Together Coalition. Two students assisted Law Enforcement as underage buyers. The
underage youth entered these businesses and attempted to illegally purchase alcoholic beverages. Nine of the
eleven businesses that were checked refused to sell to our underage buyers. READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Coordinator Kelly Felton and member Kelcie Bouchonville of the Working Together Coalition attended the National Coalition Academy graduation Feb. 8, in Washington D.C., during the annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions for America (CADCA) Leadership Forum.READ MORE

Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Informative reports filled the agenda at the March 14 Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School Board meeting. Kelly Felton of the Working Together Coalition (WTC) presented the results of a survey taken by 333 WHA sixth- through 12thgraders. WTC involves concerned citizens working to prevent alcohol, tobacco or other drug use by youth. WTC also works through the Pine River-Backus and Northland school districts. READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
By Mary Nordeen, WHA Working Together Member
There is an old saying, “Learn something new every day.” In my job, new information comes my way all the time. Looking back over this last year, I am surprised by what I’ve learned. The education came in the form of the Working Together Coalition in Walker, with topics ranging from underage drinking, the Zero Area Providers program and teen leadership in our community. In October, the Working Together Coalition (WTC) organized an event called “Hidden in Plain Sight” at the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, one of the many educational events they have hosted this year. Local law enforcement, the Teens Leading the Way group, and WTC members re-created a teen’s bedroom in a WHA classroom... READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Parent’s Coalition has an upcoming meeting Tuesday, at 4 p.m. at the Village Square. The group is in the process of trying to get parents in the community to get to know one another so that they can help youth make better decisions. At previous meetings the group talked about starting a directory with students names, what activities they are in and then their parents contact information. The group also talked about trying to find healthy activities for youth to do.

Pilot Independent Published: Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Shutting off the Tap to Teens and Young Adults Conference was held Dec 13th in Bloomington. Every year at this conference a coalition is recognized for their efforts in reducing underage drinking. This year the Wroking Together Coalition that works in the Pine River-Backus, Northland Community and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley school districts received the Coalition of the Year Award from the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center... READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ask Conner Link, age 11, and Cole Lego, soon to be 9, and they will tell you “above the influence” is about doing what you know is right and standing up to peer pressure, no matter what other influences are around you. It’s doing your own thing; being who you are; and saying “no” to drugs and alcohol. The Walker Unit with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Leech Lake Area, have been learning about peer pressure and how to do the right thing when it comes to making tough decisions on a daily basis. READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: October 27, 2010
Alcohol compliance checks were conducted the evening of July 29 on 12 local businesses that are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages... READ MORE

Pineandlakes.com
The Working Together Coalition is sponsoring an exhibit called "Hidden In Plain Sight"... READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: November 10, 2010
The WTC is a new member of the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce... READ MORE

Pilot Independent Published: November 23, 2010
Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate and reflect on the blessings that we have in our community. We are truly thankful for all of the dedicated community members, schools and businesses within the school districts of Northland Community School, Pine River-Backus and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley that have worked hard this past year to help with the mission of the Working Together Coalition... READ MORE

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Leech Lake Area (BGCLLA) serves over 800 youth in the Cass Lake, Walker,
Deer River and S. Lake area communities.
Our main unit in Cass Lake averages 130 Club Members per day.
Walker Unit recently had their Club Members send letters to Afghanistan to help boost morale for the
men and women serving our country.
Deer River Unit recently had a recognition party (pizza and swimming) at the... (read more)

The Working Together Coalition is proud to announce a free presentation called "Hidden In Plain Sight". A typical teenagers bedroom will be set up and parents and/or care givers will be able to explore the room and see if they will be able to find ways that youth could hide illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Northland High School, December 16 & 17, 5:30-8:00, during basketball games. For more information please contact Kelly Felton 218-330-8129

Welcome to the September 2010 issue of Prevention with Impact. Fall always seems to have a special aura that comes along with the season. The air turns crisp, the leaves change, and the days get shorter. As a cross country runner throughout my high school and college years the fall has always brought with it the nostalgia of camaraderie with teammates. There’s a passion in the running world that many don’t quite understand. Lacing up and hitting the pavement for a... READ MORE

Group encourages safe, healthy community
Pine River Journal Published: September 22, 2010
Pine River and Backus community members encourage safe and healthy environments for youth through the Working Together Coalition. Members of the Working Together Coalition meet in Pine River-Backus, Walker Hackensack-Akeley, and Northland-Remer communities to find ways to collaborate to prevent youth substance use. The Working Together Coalition is made up of parents, businesses, school employees, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement officers, civic volunteer groups, healthcare professionals and more. READ MORE

Help reduce underage alcohol consumption
Pine River Journal Published: September 10, 2010
How many people in our community realize the potential consequences of providing alcohol to someone under 21? Recently the Bear Pause Theater has been playing an ad that is sponsored by the Minnesota Institute of Public Health that is geared towards adults ages 21 to 29. READ MORE

Pilot Independent- Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Cass County Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) is searching for new Community Leadership Team (CLT) members. The CLT is a group of professionals who represent schools, worksites, health care organizations, community members and community partners in Cass County. The group provides key direction and decision-making for the Cass County SHIP.READ MORE

Pine River Journal Published: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Recently, a new Most of Us billboard made its appearance on Highway 371 south of Pine River. LeeAnn Sampson, Pine River-Backus Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention (ATOD) Coordinator, commented that "creating this billboard was an extensive process where we gathered input from 7-12th grade students at the Pine River-Backus High School and from community members of various ages." After four months of testing various images and messages, a consensus was finally reached across the age groups.READ MORE

Recently Responsible Beverage Server Training (RBST) was offered by the Working Together Coalition to local businesses. This training provided information for owners, managers, servers and sellers of alcohol establishments about strategies to avoid illegally selling alcohol to underage youth or intoxicated patrons. The goal of the training is to help understand state, community and establishment-level alcohol policies and their potential consequences. We would like to thank the following businesses for having representatives trained: Click for more...

How many people in our community realize the potential consequences of providing alcohol to someone under 21 Recently the Bear Pause Theater has been playing an ad that is sponsored by the Minnesota Institute of Public Health that is geared towards adults ages 21 to 29. This is a result of studies that have shown Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 6:22 PM CDT
Effective Aug. 27, Cass County will have a social host ordinance to use as another tool to combat underage drinking. The ordinance was approved on second reading at the July 20 county board meeting, held at Turtle Lake Town Hall. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 2:52 PM CDT
Cass County commissioners have agreed to consider enacting a social host ordinance as a way to reduce underage drinking and the often-tragic consequences. Meeting May 18 at the Wilson Township Hall, the board listened as County Attorney Chris Strandlie explained what a proposed county ordinance could do. A social host ordinance would make it unlawful to provide an environment where underage drinking takes place. Many parties that involve underage drinking are thrown by young adults in their early 20s who have underage friends. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 2:25 PM CDT
Cass County Attorney Christopher J. Strandlie announced last Friday that he will be seeking election as Cass County Attorney. Strandlie has been the county’s attorney since March 2008 when he was unanimouslyappointed by the Cass County Board of Commissioners, after former County Attorney Earl Maus was appointed as a district court judge. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:49 PM CDT by Rebecca Waterhouse
Two years ago, a small cluster of Christian youth from Salem Lutheran, Longville, created a racy T-shirt. The shirt is a double-edged sword; it cuts one way when the kids simply wear the shirt out in the world to affirm their unshakable belief in Jesus Christ. They are truly “wearing” Jesus, with 12 powerful 4:20 verses from the Scriptures covering their backs. But the shirt is edgy in the second place as the neon emblazoned “4:20” on the front stabs not only the eye, but also the curiosity. Click for more...

April is Alcohol Awareness Month; talk to your child about drinking by Kelly Felton
Published: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:49 PM CDT
Have you seen a Working Together Coalition (WTC) logo at a local community event recently? The WTC
is a group of dedicated community members who want to live in a community that is safe and healthy,
especially for our youth. We have community meetings within the Northland Community Schools, Pine River-Backus and Walker- Hackensack-Akeley schools. I am a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist and the coordinator for the WTC community meetings. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:49 PM CDT
Responsible Beverage Server Training (RBST), also known as “server training,” will be offered in May, sponsored by the Working Together Coalition. The training sessions will give an opportunity to educate owners, managers, servers and sellers of alcohol establishments about strategies to avoid illegally selling alcohol to underage youth or intoxicated patrons. The goal of the training is to help understand state, community and establishment-level alcohol policies and their potential consequences. Additional information may also be included in server training. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 2:49 PM CDT
Tom Burch, chief deputy for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, has announced his intention to seek the office of Cass County Sheriff. Burch is a 24-year veteran of Cass County Law Enforcement and has been chief deputy to Sheriff Randy Fisher for the past 10 years. Prior to that, he served eight years in the department as sergeant. Click for more...

Published: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 2:25 PM CDT
Walker Police Chief Wayne “Bubba” Tennis has announced his candidacy for Cass County Sheriff. Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher announced earlier this month that he will not run for reelection this fall. Fisher’s term of office concludes at the end of 2010. Tennis has 21 years of law enforcement experience with 20 serving the city of Walker and the last four as Walker’s Chief of Police. Click for more...

A presentation by Mike Coyne-Minnesota Institute of Public Health, October 28, 2009

Recommendations made from the latest research on how parents and youth can thrive throughout the teen years. Teens will live up to our expectations Positive or Negative...Problem behavior, family conflict, and psychological problems are no more common in adolescence than in any other time. Parents who have strong connections with their teens really do have influence on their teens, peer pressure is overrated. Parenting style matters – Positive Parenting works best. Click here to launch the presentation in a separate window.

Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 11:45 AM CDT

Alcohol compliance checks were conducted the evenings of Jan. 15 and Feb. 12, on businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol beverages in Cass County. The checks were coordinated by Working Together: A Coalition for Safe and Healthy Communities along with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Leech Lake Tribal Police and the City Police Departments of Backus, Longville, Pine River and Walker. Click to view full article.

Click here for full article of below:

Published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 2:49 PM CDT

Leslie Staker joined Cass County Health, Human and Veterans services by contract March 3 as Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant coordinator. She will be leading the Community Leadership Team in efforts to reduce obesity and tobacco use throughout Cass County. Staker received her bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University and her master’s degree in mass communications at St. Cloud State University. She has organized and implemented several health-focused events including Kids’ Day America, Creating Wellness and the Bemidji Wellness Challenge. Click to read more...