By Krista Starkovich
At the Crystal Bay Township meeting on August 20th, 2024 many topics were discussed; the budget, septic, recycling, FEMA and The Friends of Finland, just to name a few.
During the meeting Danielle Hefferan, Treasurer of Friends of Finland, made a statement in reference to the ongoing situation dealing with Andrew Deyette and Honor Schauland.
Danielle Hefferan:
“We just wanted to give you all and the Supervisors some updates in response to the various complaints and comments that the supervisors have been receiving in regards to their relationship with the Friends of Finland and recent events.
So, over the past month, Friends of Finland has sought outside professionals to investigate how complaints were handled going back to 2019. As an outcome of the investigation, the board has already taken steps to implement improved policies and processes, like an official internal/external grievance procedure and a whistleblower policy. Those were adopted on Monday night (August 19th).
We’re also developing other policies in relation to child protection and staff code of conduct and document retention.
And then, due to a mounting trust gap between the organization and the communities we serve, the board has decided to terminate the employment of Honor Schauland. We’re grateful for all the work that Honor has dedicated to this organization. We don’t take this decision lightly, and we are very committed to rebuilding the trust the Friends of Finland has in this community.”
The board responded by thanking her for her statement and saying they knew it was a tough call for The Friends of Finland to make.
The floor was then opened for public comments, only a few commented compared to the last general meeting.
The first 3 were in support of Honor Schauland. Here are their statements:
Gary Olson:
“I’m a longtime resident of Crystal Bay Township. It’s a very sad day… In regard to what took place at the regular township meeting in July, it was obvious to me that people had organized a campaign to smear Honor Schauland’s character and reputation as the director of Friends of Finland. I found the confrontation towards Honor personal, vindictive, and humiliating. It was very disturbing to watch. Honor deserves better treatment than this. She has served this community well, with excellent skills and grant-writing, fundraising, organizing events, and having her heart in the community and community building. In closing, I would like to add that Honor is a great ambassador for this township and the Finland community, and she was a person who could build bridges among people of all types that represent our community… That’s what I have to say.”
Nancy Anselment-Olson:
“Much of what happened at the township meeting in July was unfair, hateful, and possibly even illegal. It was an attempt to completely smear the reputation and cast doubt on the character of two people in the Friends of Finland. It was meant by some to be divisive and destructive.
There are people who don’t live in this community that want to take control over decisions that are made here, yet they have no stake in the outcome. They just want to win a years-old vendetta by insisting that the behavior of one individual proves he is a sexual predator, rather than considering any other motivations. I accept that his work in the youth program is over. Major errors in judgment were made, but the public has heard mostly a one-sided story and it paints a very inaccurate picture of the truth.
Unfortunately, because of legal considerations, the facts can’t be presented at this time. I just ask that people reserve judgment of the accused until the legal process is completed. I love this community.
It’s a community that has stood by me during really tough times. When all of this is done, I hope we can find a way to heal.”
Paul Deaner:
“I’ve lived in the township … for about 30 years. Honor is someone I love and I’m so saddened by this. I wanted to see the process play itself out. Apparently, it has. The Friends of Finland have done their due diligence and made a decision … Andrew is a friend of mine. I had a great working relationship with him last winter. Very saddened to hear what happened. I read the newspaper articles and I got the hit sheet from the county, read all that. I’m the son of a cop, so I understand law and order and the rule of law. But I’m just really saddened about that. I care about the guy and God knows what’s going to happen to him now… I know a lot of shit went down. I heard about it. I get it. But Honor and Andrew…I’m just feeling pretty bad. But thank you for listening, everybody. Nancy, you were right-at some point, maybe it’ll be a healing thing. Maybe.
Maybe not. This is part of it. It’s a wonderful community. This is how you deal. We’re a family, we gotta deal with the shit, too. So thank vou.”
The last speaker applauded Deputy Jack Deitz for taking action and doing the right thing.
Matt Morris:
“I was born and raised here and I am a parent. I’d like to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Deputy Jack Dietz. Thank you, Jack.
While Jack was on duty, he witnessed an event, the second week of June… that he knew was not right. And Jack took the appropriate measures. Thank you, Jack.
Jack’s part in the matter is now, for the most part, kind of done. The matter isn’t done-far from done-and the next phase of this matter is going to involve a lot of people who are sitting in this room right now. And I can only hope that the people, all of us, use Jack as a role model and do what is right. That’s my only hope.
I thank the board and I thank Jack Dietz. “
The crowd applauded after Mr. Morris made his statement.
People are free to share their opinions, however I do want to point out some facts. There were documented statements, incidents and reports dating all the way back to 2019 in reference to Andrew Deyette. In the Executive Director’s job description there was a requirement to relay information about ongoing incidents, concerns and events that have taken place. They were to be reported to the Friends of Finland Board and the Crystal Bay Township. It was also stated by a Friends of Finland board member at a previous meeting that the Excutive Director (Honor Schauland at the time) is held accountable for their actions and decisions by the board. There are legal proceedings taking place in regards to Andrew Deyette. When presented with the information, actions were taken due to the results of circumstances and incidents that had taken place. The public commented individually due to their concerns about the youth, safety and the community as a whole. The Clair Nelson Center is a facility for all of Finland, Isabella, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Tofte, Lutsen and other surrounding communities. To reference that the other communities are not affected by what has taken place at the Clair Nelson Center and Friends of Finland programs is simply not true. Many people, families and youth from all the surrounding areas participate in activities offered by Friends of Finland and attend/ participate in activities at the Clair Nelson Center.
Prior to the statement from Friends of Finland, many other topics were discussed.
The Budget
Lisa Abazs (Treasurer) spoke about the budget. She had created a spread sheet of the budget for everyone to view. In her findings they are currently over spending and are in the negative. They are going to have to make some adjustments for the remainder of the year so they do not become more in debt. The budget deficit is due to additional expenses in reference to the current situation with Friends of Finland’s contract and Andrew Deyette’s situation. It has caused them to work extra hours, seek additional legal assistance and have additional clerk hours. There are many other reasons also, such as problems with the septic at the Clair Nelson Center, Storm disaster relief (FEMA) not to mention the actual damage from the storms, recycling program and various other issues that have arisen, which requires extra time, paperwork and special meetings. They are discussing and creating a plan to assist with their deficit. The funding has not been mishandled, however the costs are outweighing the revenue.
FEMA
There is a disaster relief center in Virginia, MN, located at the St. Louis County Public Works Training Room, 7823 Hwy 135, Virginia, MN, 55792. Hours are 7:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday – Sunday. It has been discussed if one could be open in Lake County. Those in charge of the program are looking further into it.
If you need assistance recovering from the severe storms and floods of June 16 – July 4, 2024 you can visit the recovery center, go on the website DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA Mobil app or call 1-800-621-3362 for assistance. For more information visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797.
Matt Pullman, the Emergency services director is in charge of the operations for Lake County.
Septic issue at the Clair Nelson Center
The township has been working to rectify the problem with the septic system. It is a long process. They are applying to IRRRB to assist in the repairs for the septic system. Currently there are “biffies” located outside the building for use. It will be a while until the septic issue is resolved. Most likely, it will not be until the spring. They will have a plan in place for use during the winter months. Currently, they are unable to make repairs of their own until funding has been approved through IRRRB.
Recycling Trailer
There will be a recycling bin located between the Finland Fire Department and the Finland Coop. There were concerns raised about putting other items in the bins other than recyclables. Signs will be posted and the bins will be monitored for trash dumping. If problems arise and continue to be an issue, the bins will be removed. The bins are supplied by Lake County in order to cut down on trash.
Cannabis Notice
The board had no comment regarding the notice.
Cemetery Project
There is a new monument being constructed at the cemetery in replace of the old monument.
Friends of Finland Contract
During a special meeting on August 13, 2024, the township and the Friends of Finland extended their contract for 2 months. The renewal of the contract requires FOF to perform a full inventory and several other requirements prior to renewing a longer contract.
Further information can be found on the Crystal Bay Township website www.crystalbaytownship.org. Zoom is no longer an option to attend the Crystal Bay Township meetings.
