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Watertown chamber is updated on river crossing
City Administrator Luke Fischer spoke extensively about the issue of the river crossings at the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday, according to the chamber minutes.
At this time, the debate over a second crossing has been tabled and all resources are being directed at the current bridge being either replaced or refurbished. The state historical society has not made any decisions as to the historical status of the bridge. This process can take anywhere from one to three years. The city also is working on the one-year permitting and approval process before construction can even begin. At this time, the city is hoping to have plans, and possibly start work on the area in 2014.
Facelift for Annandale Fourth of July parade
Annandale’s Fourth of July parade co-chairs Dewey Gunnarson and Denise Schmidt are trying to breathe new life into the annual parade tradition by adding a few new twists, reported the Annandale Advocate.
This year, parade entrants are allowed to provide candy, but they must hand it out instead of throw it. Candy hasn’t been allowed for several years because of liability concerns. A master of ceremonies will provide commentary from the city’s portable bandshell throughout the event for Main Street parade-goers. Also, there will be three marching bands, as of right now, and possibly more.
Litchfield man sentenced to four years in prison
Gerald Garding of Litchfield was sentenced to four years in prison May 2 after pleading guilty to one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 16 years old, according to Meeker County District Court documents, reported the Litchfield Independent Review. Five other criminal sexual conduct counts against Garding, 65, were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Garding was charged in September after a female alleged Garding sexually abused her over the course of several years, according to a criminal complaint. Garding admitted that he knew these allegations would come out someday, the complaint states.
Hutchinson mayor seeks one more term
Four-term Hutchinson Mayor Steve Cook announced at the May 8 city council meeting that he would seek another two-year term this fall, but that it likely would be his last term if elected, reported the Hutchinson Leader.
His announcement came when City Administrator Jeremy Carter reminded council members that filing for the council positions opens May 22, and continues until June 6.
In addition to Cook’s seat on the council, first-term council members Eric Yost, in seat 3, and Chad Czmowski, in seat 4, will see their four-year terms expire at the end of the year. Neither said whether they would file at this time.
Waconia fishing opener was unforgettable
After four hours of fishing at the 2012 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in Waconia May 12, Governor Mark Dayton and his fishing host, Travis Frank of Waconia, only caught one small bluegill, reported the Waconia Patriot.
When Dayton and Frank returned to shore, the governor held a brief press conference where he joked about all of the fish that got away and praised Frank’s expertise on the water.
“I’m sure I’ll catch some grief for not getting a fish, but it is what it is,” Frank said. “The experience is more important to me. I feel humbled, honored, and very lucky to be a part of this.”
Quartet brings grocery store to Stewart
Thanks to the vision and efforts of Dan and Betty Werth and Linda and Gary Dettman, Stewart’s Southside Station convenience store and gas station is a reality, reported the Hutchinson Leader.
A long-closed Amoco gas station on Stewart’s south side came up for foreclosure auction about three years ago and the price was right. The three years it took to get a modern convenience store open was a necessary trek for the two couples with little retail experience.
The resulting store has everything, from oil and other needs for motorists, to a selection of foods, beverages, and fresh bakery items.
NYA building issue headed to court
Norwood Young America City Council authorized the city attorney, at its May 14 meeting, to proceed in the District Court of Carver County requesting judgement on the Masonic Lodge building on 3rd Avenue SE, which has been labeled hazardous due to its deteriorating condition, reported the Norwood Young America Times. The council passed a resolution last September calling for the building to be either repaired or torn down to address safety concerns, but deadlines have since passed.
If the court rules in favor of the city, that would authorize the city to move forward with enforcing the order to either repair or raze the structure.
SL man indicted for alleged fatal stabbing
David Muniz Bustos, 44, of Silver Lake was indicted by a grand jury May 10 for allegedly fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Dominga Limon, 40, following an argument at her Glencoe home in February, reported the Hutchinson Leader.
Bustos faces a charge of alleged first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of domestic abuse, and second-degree intentional murder. The first charge carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment and the second, 40 years in prison.
Bustos has been in custody since Feb. 21, the day of the stabbing. No trial date has been set.
GSL board chooses technology over books
The Glencoe-Silver Lake School Board chose technology over traditional hard-covered textbooks at last Monday evening’s meeting, even though the initial costs are five times higher, reported the McLeod County Chronicle.
The discussion revolved around the purchase of iPads for third-and fourth-graders at Lakeside for the next school year. The “digital textbooks” cost $329 each, compared to the bound versions at $65 to $70 each.
The district plans to expand the iPad program to the fifth and sixth grades in 2013-14.
Chanhassen home invasion/assault
A first degree burglary and assault was reported in the 900 block of Santa Vera Drive in Chanhassen April 25, according to the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the department, the suspect forced entry into the residence through a locked front door. The female victim in the residence was able to fight off her assailant and escape.
The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 25 years of age, about 6 foot 1 inches tall, stocky build, brown hair, blue eyes and clean shaven.
Call the Carver County Sheriff’s Office at (952) 361-1212, if you have information about the suspect.
A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Delano superintendent to retire the end of June
Dr. John Sweet will retire as Delano superintendent at the end of the school year. He has been superintendent since 2005, reported the Delano Herald Journal.
Although he’ll be leaving soon, Sweet’s work will continue to impact the district.
Efficiency and transparency are a key focus for Sweet, whether it’s promoting a performance pay system for teachers, expanding the use of Delano Cable Channel 12, or implementing wireless networks in all school buildings.
He’ll also be remembered for starting a Veterans Day program at Delano Public Schools, which has been well received by students and the community.
Dassel building removed to make room for Casey’s
Strack Construction of St. Cloud began demolishing the former Hojies building located on Highway 12 in Dassel, reported the Enterprise Dispatch.
The building was removed Tuesday to make way for a 4,500-square-foot Casey’s General Store. Pouring of the footings and foundation walls are expected to begin Tuesday, May 22 with completion of the store anticipated for the end of October. Hojies Grill and Smokehouse closed in December 2009.
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