Volunteers help fill holes that budget cuts left in cities' staffs

Deeby Kadrie staffed the reception desk of the Wayzata Public Works Department last week, fielding calls, preparing a mailing and signing for parcels. She loves the job -- even though she isn't getting paid.

Kadrie is among about 120 volunteers helping the western suburb cope with the loss of 10 employee positions in the past two years, or about 15 percent of its workforce.

Across the state, volunteers are bailing out government.