(JList members, I am forwarding this message from Kerry Ashmore, editor/co-owner of Northeaster/NorthNews
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(JMargo Ashmore
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(JNortheast Minneapolis
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(JFormer Northeaster and NorthNews editor Mike Anderson died Friday, Feb. 7, of
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(JAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's
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(Jdisease." Even after he left our employment, Mike stayed in touch with the
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(Jnewspaper, and as recently as late January was sending upbeat, humorous and
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(Jencouraging emails. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15,
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(J11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 1923 Third Avenue, Anoka.
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(JI've also included parts of an editorial published when Mike left the newspaper, headlined
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(J"Profiles in Courage 2001."
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(JNewspapers are always looking for stories of courage and dedication, and the
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(JNortheaster and NorthNews need to look no further than their newsroom for a
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(Jglowing example. Despite the steady onset, for almost two years, of a
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(Jparalyzing condition that is almost always fatal, Mike Anderson's dedication
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(Jto these communities and to these newspapers is rock solid and unwavering.
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(JHis outlook is an amazing balance of realism--preparing for what happens to
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(Jmost people who have this condition--and determination to be one of the few
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(Jwho survive it and thrive, or to survive until a cure is found.
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(JThe condition and the vagaries of the medical and government systems he must juggle,
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(Jchallenge our ability to continue working together. But we will keep trying
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(Jto find ways.
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(JFew of us will ever face a challenge of the magnitude he faces every day.
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(JBut if and when we do, those of us who work with Mike Anderson will have a
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(Jspecial advantage. We see first hand, every day, how to stare down the
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(Junthinkable and stay the course. Thank you, Mike.
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(JKerry Ashmore
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(JNortheaster & NorthNews Newspapers
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(J2304 Central Ave. NE
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(JMinneapolis, MN 55418-3710
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(J(612) 781-4821 (voice)
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(J(612) 788-3299 (fax)
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([EMAIL PROTECTED]
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