Kids 'n Biz Festival Meant Fun For A Thousand-Plus
The chance of rain didn't stop more than 800 children - accompanied by their 400-plus parents - from attending the "best yet" Kids 'n Biz Festival on April 22 at Oneka Elementary School in Hugo. Organizers estimate that over 1,200 people - that's more than 10 percent of Hugo - showed up for the festivities.
The fun started just outside the front door where a couple of fire trucks stood open, inviting people to step inside and check things out. There was also a Hugo Public Works heavy duty truck and a grader to walk around (and under, in the case of the grader) and admire.
Everyone who attended received goodie bags, and kids were encouraged to check out the dozens of donated prizes and put their free raffle ticket in the container that matched the prize they hoped to win.
Domino's pizza, Subway sandwiches, hot dogs from North Country Auto Body and All Around Rental's cotton candy were available at reasonable prices for a quick snack. Proceeds from food sales went to charity.
Mascots Dudley P. Nutt from Pearson Candy Company, Curly Top from Dairy Queen, and a couple of bears - Smokey, and the Postal Credit Union Bear - made the rounds, giving hugs and high fives on demand.
Chaplain Keeps Vigil With Soldiers Guarding Taji
By Spc. Nathan J. Hoskins, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Aff airs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - The night is cool and the long expanse of razor wire and fence stretches before the guard tower as a quiet display reminiscent of a maximum security prison, but it is quite the opposite.
Pulling guard duty during the early morning hours, soldiers make themselves stay aware of their surroundings and stay alert.
Their lack of sleep during these hours ensures that others can sleep safely. But who is looking out for them?
With plenty of opportunities to visit with soldiers during the day, Hugo, Minn. resident Chap. (Maj.) Charles Causey, the chaplain for 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is the one who oft en climbs the tower steps. He said he feels the soldiers pushing through the night hours need some encouragement as well.
