Almost 20 Years Ago HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE January 18, 2001 County buys new vehicles The Dakota County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approves the purchase of 12 vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.
The cost of the Sheriff’s Department vehicles, which include six full-sized Ford Crown Victorias, two Chevrolet Impalas, one Dodge Intrepid, one Ford Taurus and two Dodge Grand Caravans for prisoner transport, total $242,783.
—Randy Roberts, managing editor Almost 40 Years Ago HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE January 22, 1981 Volume 12/Number 10 Marsh celebrates hostage release by JUDY HEMP, staff writer The strain of being Dakota County’s link with the 443-day-old Iranian hostage situation was beginning to show in Norma Marsh’s voice as she continued to participate in the ups and downs of waiting for her brother, Charge d’affaires Bruce Laingen, to be flown to freedom along with the other 51 hostages.
By mid-Tuesday, however, the strain had turned to relief. The hostages were at last airborne for Algeria. The months of worry and waiting would soon be over.
The fact that everything was really over was confirmed Tuesday night when Marsh and her family saw Laingen debark the plane with the two women hostages.
“We were all clapping and cheering,” said Marsh. “We had no idea we would be able to see so much.”
“It was good to see him standing there talking to the other people,” added Marsh. “We know everything is going to be OK.”
49 Years Ago
HASTINGS GAZETTE February 11, 1971
VERMILLION Locals James Zwebec, was able to return to his home in Lakeville, Friday, following treatment at the Northwestern hospital in the city. His sons, Jim and John, who have been spending some time with their uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Deutsch in Vermillion, returned to their home Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moran, born Diane Chandler of Tanner’s Lake, are receiving congratulations on the arrival of a bright 6 lb. 15 oz. baby boy, born Feb. 3 at St. Joseph’s hospital St. Paul. The little gentleman is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Chandler of Vermillion.
The Scouts and Cub Scouts began scout week, this week by attending the 9:00 Mass and receiving holy Communion in a body Sunday at St. John the Baptist church.
The Booster Club deeply appreciates and thanks the fine crowd who attended their game party at the village hall Sunday night.
Cpl. Earl Kegler, who is enjoying a furlough from his duties in Okinawa was a Sunday guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Staus.
THE GOVERNOR’S COLUMN By Gov. Wendell Anderson Throughout the past year and in my Budget Address I have spoken about levying taxes on the basis of the ability to pay and making taxes fairer. Let me give you an example of this. Let’s look at the personal property tax paid by business under the present system and under the system I have proposed.
The 1967 Sales Tax law gives personal property relief to business under and arbitrary and unfair formula (individuals do not pay the personal property tax). Under that law some businesses receive unlimited relief, some as much as 99% relief. At the same time, many small businesses and service industries (barbers, dentists, etc.) receive none. This is just not fair. In additions, businesses are given the option of paying the tax on either their inventory or their tools and machinery whichever is lower. This provision provides tax relief to big businesses but is of little value to the small businessman.
In order to make this tax more equitable to all businesses I have proposed that (a) the amount of tax relief be limited to 20%, (b) that 20% relief be applied uniformly to all businesses, large or small; and (c) thew personal property tax be applied to inventory and tools and machinery so that no special business receives an advantage. What all this means is that all businesses will receive a 20% tax credit. Those large corporations which receive high tax relief will find their tax break cut but many businesses will receive a tax credit for the first time.
Because of the special nature of agriculture in Minnesota and because everyone benefits from a healthy farm economy, all farm livestock and farm machinery (Class 3-D property) will continue to be exempt from the personal property tax. This will benefit not only the farmer but also the smalltown merchants who provide services to the farmer.
I think this shows very well what I mean by making taxes fairer. One of the greatest powers government has is the power to tax and no government abuses its power so much as one that imposes unfair taxes.
56 Years Ago HASTINGS GAZETTE December 3, 1964 Hunters Asked To Return Report Cards Minnesota big game hunters were asked to send their report cards in to the Conservation Department as soon as possible. The card is attached to the hunter’s big game license.
All deer hunting with firearms ended in the state Nov. 15.
