KAXE Interviews the White Oak Dog Sled Race Committee

Posted on March 13, 2014December 10, 2015 by The White Oak Historical Society

Gena LaPlante

2 weeks ago

Attention all Deer River and surrounding areas! I will be at the White Oak historical society Sunday 11-2 offering 30, 60, and 80 min massages. I'm offering a Father's day special price for each. Come get a massage or just say hi and enjoy a great meal at the Cafe! Any questions about prices or anything send me a message! ... See MoreSee Less

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Kathy LaPlante

2 weeks ago

Since I was in the Cities, I couldn't make it to the meeting on Monday. What happened? ... See MoreSee Less

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Christopher Reed

4 weeks ago

Invite anyone that can come support us!! Dress period correct! ... See MoreSee Less

Let's Get It Back!

June 12, 2017, 6:00pm

Deer River City Hall

As an active member, or supporter of the White Oak Historical Society, you are receiving this message to be informed, and to get involved. We feel it is crucial to explain the delicate situation we are in, and our plans to move forward. We are truly at a crossroads, and are planning for our long term future. We need your support and input now, more than ever. Just over thirty years ago, the White Oak Historical Society was formed, and land was acquired at our current site to build a fur post. As the society was funded through Blandin Foundation, buildings were added, and the annual rendezvous grew. There was a need for space, and White Oak approached the City of Deer River for some more land. The city donated 80 acres, and the rendezvous became huge. As White Oak grew, an idea was born, the Great Hall. Through a grant from the State of Minnesota, funds were acquired to construct the Great Hall. In doing so, White Oak needed a fiscal agent to guarantee the conditions of the grant. The City of Deer River obliged, but only as an owner, with White Oak as a long term leased tenant. In 2015, that lease expired, and was renewed for 5 years. Due to the terms of the original 25 year lease, we can only pursue renewals for 5 years at a time. The terms of the grant also were written for and organization with a budget of $100,000 or more. Today, White Oak operates on a budget 10% of that size. We can no longer afford the terms of that grant. We are unable to insure the fur post, since we don't own it, and buildings have deteriorated. We have a group of people willing to invest time and money into the repair of the buildings, but the White Oak board is stuck. How can we invest in the improvements, without a long term guarantee of space? Because of these concerns, we are doing some should searching. We have a few points of contention, and options available to us. We believe the terms and conditions of the State of Minnesota grant are done with. We believe after 25 years, the "life of the building" has been reached, according to IRS guidelines. Therefore, we believe the City of Deer River should deed the land back to us, since its obligations to the grant are over. If the city will not, we believe it is in the best interest of White Oak to move to a permanent location, without being constrained by ownership. We are considering moving our rendezvous to Grand Rapids, or Bemidji, if the city won't do what is ethical. We are going to ask the City do decide in June what they will do. Otherwise, we have no choice but to "move on down the trail." We hate to see decades of work on our current site go away, but we can't commit our time or money on assets we aren't guaranteed to have down the road. One thing we need most, is your annual memberships. Single memberships are $20, Family $30, and businesses for $100. Although slightly uncertain, the times are exciting. We are at an opportunity to grow, and establish ourselves permanently. Please guide us and support us. Sincerely, Chris Reed White Oak Society President

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White Oak Society - Grand Rapids Mn

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KAXE Interviews the White Oak Dog Sled Race Committee