Greenbush-Badger Lions Honor Dedicated members with Melvin Jones Fellowships
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
The Greenbush-Badger Lions Club recently gathered for its annual Member Recognition Night, celebrating another successful year of service, fellowship, and community impact. Members enjoyed an outstanding steak supper from KC’s Market before turning their attention to recognizing several individuals whose dedication and commitment have helped strengthen both the Lions organization and the communities it serves. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of six Melvin Jones Fellowships, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Lions member. Named after Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of humanitarian service and have made significant contributions to their club, community, and the mission of Lions Clubs. The fellowship also supports the charitable work of the Lions Clubs International Foundation, helping Lions serve communities around the world. This year’s recipients represent decades of service, leadership, and volunteerism. Among those recognized were charter members Bernie Nelson and Sander Tureson, who have helped guide the Greenbush-Badger Lions Club since its earliest days. Their leadership, wisdom, and steady commitment have played a vital role in building the club into the active and successful organization it is today. Through countless projects, meetings, and community events, both men have demonstrated what it means to lead by example and serve others with humility and dedication. Also receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship was Curt Hukee, who transferred his Lions membership to Greenbush-Badger after moving to the area. Since joining the local club, Curt has become a valued leader and dependable volunteer, generously sharing his time, talents, and experience to support numerous Lions projects and initiatives. His willingness to step forward and help wherever needed has made a lasting impact on the club and the community. The club also recognized Joe and Shirley Burian, affectionately known by many as the “pancake dynamic duo.” Whether working behind the griddle, organizing volunteers, or helping ensure events run smoothly, the Burians have become synonymous with some of the Lions’ most successful community meals and fundraisers. Their tireless efforts, positive attitudes, and commitment to serving others have helped raise funds that are reinvested directly into local projects and community needs. Rounding out the list of recipients was Bob Melby, whose dedication to community service is well known throughout the area. From helping organize and support numerous Lions projects to his leadership in the club’s popular December Fun Night, Bob consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities that bring people together and strengthen the community. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and commitment to making a difference have touched countless lives over the years. While the evening celebrated individual achievements, Lions members were quick to point out that every successful project is made possible by volunteers who are willing to step forward and serve. Whether it’s hosting community meals, supporting local youth programs, assisting those in need, or organizing events that bring neighbors together, the Lions Club continues to make a difference because of people who believe in giving back. The Greenbush-Badger Lions Club encourages anyone interested in serving their community, building friendships, and making a positive impact to consider becoming involved. The Melvin Jones Fellowship recipients honored this year serve as a reminder that even small acts of service, when multiplied over time, can leave a lasting legacy. As the Lions motto proudly states, “We Serve,” and thanks to dedicated volunteers like these six honorees, that tradition of service continues to thrive in the Greenbush-Badger area.
Carl Britten celebrates 90th Birthday with friends and family
Krista Pietruszewski
Kbpiet@gmail.com
The Karlstad Community Center was filled with conversation and laughter Sunday afternoon, June 14, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of Carl Britten of Halma. A highlight of the celebration was the attendance of all of Britten’s siblings, who joined relatives, friends, and neighbors in marking the milestone occasion. Britten is the oldest of the eight siblings. Guests were served ham buns, salads, bars, lemonade, and coffee. A two-tier chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, made by Britten’s brother Tom, served as the centerpiece of the food table. The afternoon offered guests an opportunity to share stories, extend birthday wishes, and celebrate nine decades of life, family, and memories.
City of East Grand Forks renews contract with building inspections firm
Brenda Halverson - Exponent Reporter
The board of East Grand Forks Public Schools approved the property and casualty insurance coverage for 2026-2027 at the June 22 meeting. The proposal was prepared by Marsh McLennon Agency. The total annual premium is $326,198.10 compared to last year’s premium of $299,422.34. Superintendent Kevin Grover noted that the largest increase is in the workers compensation insurance from $93,880 last year to $109,234 this year. Another issue that the insurance companies mentioned is that the school’s buildings are under-insured. Grover said the district is valued at $137 million if everything would need to be replaced due to a catastrophic event. Estimates for replacement cost per square foot vary from building to building, but would likely be valued much higher. In that case the coverage wouldn’t be enough to replace all buildings and equipment. Special work session Following the regular business meeting the board recessed into a work session to review potential operating levy and capital building referendum proposals. The district has undergone a facility assessment, a community survey and discussions with a long-term planning task force. The goals included getting feedback from all segments of the community about priority projects and tax tolerance. At the June 8 meeting concerns were raised about a proposed realignment of grades to accommodate the space needs and education goals. One configuration that was proposed would move the fifth grade to Central Middle School. Another would create and consolidate a separate preschool space at New Heights Elementary. This would move the second grade to South Point Elementary. The feedback from some people considered these suggestions to be “huge shifts” in all buildings, so the board chose to have a special work session to hear the concerns. The work session was not live streamed. The reason given was “there is a possibility it may need to be moved to accommodate attendance.” In other business the board: • Noted that the filing period for election to the school board opens July 14 and closes July 28 for the general election to be held on Nov. 3. Three school board members will be elected to four-year terms, which will begin in January 2027. The board seats currently held by Amanda Holweger, Lindsey King and Josh Perkerewicz are expiring the end of this year. • Hired Kate Line, school social worker, Molly Senger, special education teacher, and Beth Vetter, assistant principal at Central Middle School. Vetter’s retirement resignation was accepted March 9 with an effective date of June 15. She was rehired to the same position under a separate contract. • Accepted retirement resignations from Melanie Nelson and Lisa Palmer. • Approved the reassignment of Jaime Campos, health teacher. The motion to approve the contract passed 5-2 with Helms and Schumacher voting against it. Peterson, Pokrzywinski, Tim Riopelle, Donald Casmey and Brian Larson voted in favor of the contract.