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esi e is of We were recently saddened to learn of Dean Oleson's death after a courageous battle with cancer. Dean was our immediate past president and longtime MAWD board member. Until he moved into the president's chair, he served as chair of our Annual Meeting Committee and was instrumental in the development of that meeting as MAWD's major educational and training session for it's members. Dean served for many years as a manager for the Buffalo Creek by Tom Ebnet Watershed District, and was a Ieader in many other agricultural and com- munity organizations in Hutchinson. Dean Oleson's commitment to the watershed district movement will be missed. He always asked the tough questions at board meetings just to be sure that we were all aware of the consequences of our actions. His quiet thoughtfulness, willingness to listen to others' ideas, experience, and. strong presence on the board will not be easily replaced. On behalf of MAWD, I would like to extend our sincere sympathies to Phyllis Oleson and family in this time of mourning a great husband, father and friend. • .;. s We are still attempting to assess the results of the 2003 Legislative Session and Special Session. It looks like we did well in the bonding bill, were able to hold off those who wanted to diminish our authority over road authorities, but suffered some reductions in local government aids in the tax bill. Time will eventually tell the truth about this year's legislation. Part of our success this session was our record turnout for the MAWD Legisla- tive Breakfast. Over 100 managers and staff turned out for this important meeting with key legislators. The Legislative Breakfast gives us an opportunity to get to know our legisla- tors, especially with all of the new legislators this year at the capitol, and to dialogue with them on our issues. Thanks for all of your support and for taking the time to make yourself heardl We are anticipating an excellent Sum- mer Tour on June 19-21st in St. Cloud. The Clearwater River WD has done an excellent job preparing for the Tour. I would encourage all of you to attend this important educational tool offered by MAWD and it's host watershed district. In Memory of Dean Oleson Lyle Dean Oleson was born on January 27, 1928, in Lynn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Everett and Rose Ulrich Oteson. He attended country school, District 81, near the Oleson farm. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1946. As a youth, Dean was active in 4-H and received a Grand Champion Award at the Minnesota State Fair for his pork demonstration. On June 2, 1.951, Dean was united in marriage to Phyllis Peterson at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Vikki, Keith, Chris and Brian. Dean enjoyed farming and continued to farm until his illness. Someone from the Oleson family farmed. this land in Lynn Township since the fall of 1872 to Dean's retirement. Dean and Phyllis were blessed with 51 years of marriage together. Dean was an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchin- son, where he held several positions. Including youth counselor and Sunday School Teacher. He enjoyed serving on many boards including Farmer's Co-op Elevator, Lynn Township, and Buffalo Creek Watershed. He served as president of McLeod County Farm Bureau from 1985 to 1993, and also as director of the MN Association of Watershed Districts. He was raised in the third Degree into the Masonic temple Lodge #59 of Hutchinson by his father, and continued to be an active member for over 50 years_ Dean. received the Hiram award in 2001. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and extensive traveling with family members. He also liked attending antique tractor and threshing shows. Following a battle with cancer, Dean passed away on Friday May 23, 2003, at his home in Hutchinson at the age of 75 years. Hope to see you all on the 19th in St. Cloud. Z