A Great Weekend Darkened by a Tragic Death - **Address for Donations Added on Tuesday

While the August Fest activities were most enjoyable for everyone involved in Belgrade over the weekend, I was saddened to learn about the accidental death of a young man who lived in Brooten during this summer.

Oscar Alenjandro Ramirez, 17, of Eagle Pass, Texas, died Saturday afternoon after a drowning accident at Games Lake Park in rural New London. Apparently the water was crowded, which is typical at this popular beach and swimming area. I have no idea if that was a factor in the death. It was reported that the lifeguards responded immediately to the drowning. Unfortunately, all efforts to revive Oscar, known also as "Alex" by some in the B-B-E area, failed.

According to posts in the West Central Tribune online blog ("http://www.wctrib.com"), this young man was a worker who lived at the migrant camp near Brooten. I only read good things about him on there. (Except for 2 racist pigs that decided to throw their terrible back-woods hick attitude out on the world wide web.)

**I just spoke with Father Jeff, the local priest for the B-B-E area. He gave me the following address for donations to help the Ramirez family in this time of unthinkable tragedy. They are raising funds to help with bringing Oscar's body back to Texas for their funeral. A memorial service was held on Sunday night in Brooten at the Catholic church.

St.Donatus Church
PO BOx 159
Brooten, MN 56316
(checks payable to St.Donatus Church, C/O Oscar)

As someone that lost my father to a farm accident, I know how quickly life can end. My motto is, live every day with passion, you never know which is your last.

Monday afternoon update... Coach Richards reported that 43 young men suited up this morning for the first official practice for the Jaguars football team. They will go to "2-a-days" starting tomorrow, Tuesday. Coach Westrom reported that the Jaguars girls tennis team will host Upsala-Swanville Area and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle on Friday in a 9:00am Triangular. It will take place at the high school tennis courts.

On Thursday night the Jaguars volleyball team will take part in a 6-team scrimmage at the Willmar High School. Competing with the Jaguars are Benson, Central Minnesota Christian, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Murray County Central (Fulda), and the host Cardinals. Action will run from 4:30 to 8:00pm.

Fall sports are here, whether we're ready or not.