North  Eagle  Newsletter
Spring issue        Cass County        Minnesota

South Dakota to ban abortions

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota lawmakers approved a ban on nearly all abortions yesterday, setting up a frontal assault on Roe v. Wade. 
 The measure would make no exception in cases of rape or incest.

Some opponents of the bill said abortion should at least be allowed in cases of rape or incest, or where the woman's health is threatened.

If a rape victim becomes pregnant and bears a child, the rapist could have the same parental rights as the mother.  

 Many opponents and supporters of abortion rights believe the US Supreme Court is more likely to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion now that conservatives John G. Roberts Jr. and Samuel A. Alito Jr. are on the bench.

The banning of abortions for rape victims may be the straw that will eventually collapse this ban altogether. Several legal aid groups are organizing to fight this issue.

Planned Parenthood, which operates the only abortion clinic in South Dakota, has pledged to sue over the measure. About 800 abortions a year are performed in South Dakota.

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 South Dakota Legislature

Level the Playing Field, (LPF), a hunting / sporting organization, observes that over the last hundred years, hunting firearms have become so powerful that the fun, challenge, and sportsmanship may be diminished  for hunters, many of who which have never tried a  traditional bow and arrow. Spokesperson Carolyn White states -   "We are not against hunting by any means. We question the rate that weapon technology has advanced compared to the preys defensive survival skills which remains basically unchanged. The hunter/prey relationship is out of balance. The sport resembles a slaughter more than a hunt." 

A petition containing over1400 signatures has been presented to the DNR requesting proposals  to somehow  level the playing field.  Minnesota lawmakers have agreed to look at all options presented, but DNR representatives have vowed not to place restrictions or reforms on existing guns, rifles, and current sporting technology. 

The National Rifle Association as well as several other Minnesota hunting organizations are opposed to any restrictions regulating current hunting laws.  Red Neckman, spokesperson for the Minnesota chapter of the NRA, calls the LPF an eccentric fringe group and has no plans to attend the meeting next month. Neckman boasted "There is little the LPF can do to change the current status of hunting. We have the constitution, the political climate, and the support of  countless organizations."

Carlodicas approved for summer parade

Community organizers in Cass County voted 7 to 2  Tuesday to include three musically equipped cars called Carlodicas in this years summer parade. The carlodica is a car equipped with a funnel that collects wind while driven powering a Melodica keyboard and enabling the performer/driver  to make music. The creator of this unusual device,  Steve Hegman explained his concept for the event. 

 "Our plan is  to have  bass, tenor, and alto melodica keyboards each connected to three automobiles to be played and driven by three (union local 73) musicians.  Our car windows will be open enabling us to take request shouted from pedestrians as we drive down the streets during the parade. This will make for a very interactive experience between the musicians and the audience.  We hope this to be the first of many parades  throughout  the Midwest that will include carlodicas"

All eyes will defiantly be watching the introduction the carlodica in the Cass County spring day  parade.