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Winter weather advisory in effect Feb. 8, 2010

JACKSON - A winter weather advisory remains in effect for Jackson County until 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Areas of blowing snow can be expected Monday afternoon, mainly in northwest Iowa where the winds will be strongest. Light snow will develop from the northwest by the end of the day and increase Monday night. Winds and blowing snow will also increase tonight. Periods of snow will then continue into Tuesday.

Total snowfall accumulations will range from 3-6 inches, with the greatest accumulations in southwest
Minnesota.

Northwest to north winds will generally range from 10 to 20 miles per hour in southwest Minnesota and 15 to 30 mph in northwest Iowa Monday afternoon. Winds of 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts will become widespread Monday night into Tuesday.

This will result in reduced visibilities in blowing snow. The  low visibilities will become widespread tonight. Because of the lighter winds in southwest Minnesota Monday afternoon, the  greatest worsening of conditions tonight will be there.

The wind chill values will generally range from zero to 15 below Monday afternoon through Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Martin County and areas through south central Minnesota are in a winter storm warning until noon Tuesday.


Spirit Lake man critically injured in accident Feb. 7, 2010

WORTHINGTON - One person was critically injured in a one-vehicle rollover at 9:46 p.m. Thursday in the eastbound lane of Interstate 90, west of Worthington.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 49-year-old Donny Utley of Spirit Lake was driving a 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup eastbound when he lost control on the icy roadway, entered the median and rolled. His passenger, 48-year-old Deborah Abshire of Phoenix, Arizona was ejected.

The Worthington Ambulance Service responded to the scene.

Utley was taken to Sanford Worthington Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released. Abshire was also taken to the hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

Severe damage was reported to Utley’s pickup.

The Nobles County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.


One-vehicle rollover is investigated Feb. 7, 2010

JACKSON - The Minnesota State Patrol investigated a one-vehicle rollover at 8:43 p.m. Thursday in the westbound lane of Interstate 90, six miles west of Jackson.

Chad Evenson of Winona, 32, was driving a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup that went off the road and rolled over.

Evenson had no apparent injuries. Moderate damage was reported to his pickup.


Operation Round Up deadline approaching Feb. 7, 2010

JACKSON - The deadline is approaching to apply for the next round of funding through Federated Rural Electric’s Operation Round-Up Fund. The next awarding of Funds will be in late March.

Operation Round Up involves about 70 percent of Federated’s members in Jackson and Martin counties.

They allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar amount. Those funds go into a trust fund.

An independent trust board, which consists of Federated members, evaluates local funding requests and distributes the funds.

The deadline for submitting application is Feb. 26. The application form can also be downloaded from Federated’s website.

You can also call Federated at 507-847-3520, 728-8366 or 1-800-321-3520. Ask for Andrea or Sherry to request an application.

Since 1995, the trust board has distributed more than $318,000 to local organizations including senior dining, hospice, fire/ambulance departments and as high school scholarships.

Organizations that serve Federated members in Jackson or Martin counties can request funds for projects involving community service, disaster relief, youth education, community leadership programs, environment programs and emergency energy assistance.


Emmetsburg man facing charges Feb. 7, 2010

EMMETSBURG - An Emmetsburg man faces charges after an incident last weekend.

According to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Department, a deputy made contact with Jayson Allen Wiley and a woman in the 900 block of Monroe in Emmetsburg on Saturday, Jan. 30. It was discovered that Wiley and the woman had a no-contact order in place by the Kossuth County Courthouse.

During the detention of Wiley, Wiley allegedly resisted. He was taken into custody. Wiley also allegedly made threats of bodily harm to the deputy after the arrest which resulted in Wiley being charged with Harassment in the Second Degree.

Wiley was taken to the Palo Alto County Jail by the Emmetsburg Police Department. He was booked into the jail and charged with violating a no-contact order, interference with official acts and harassment in the second degree.


No injuries reported in accident Feb. 6, 2010

JACKSON - Jackson police investigated a two-vehicle accident around noon Wednesday at the intersection of 4th Street and North Highway.

Involved was a 1997 Dodge Neon driven by Shawn Berglund of Iona and a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Robert Maday of Granada.

There were no reports of any injuries to either driver or to Maday’s passenger, Andrew Jensen of Fairmont.

Moderate damage was reported to both vehicles.


Police investigate two-vehicle mishap Feb. 6, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on Morrison Avenue.

Involved was a 1995 Lincoln Town Car driven by Christopher Tusa of Jackson and a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Jean Day, also of Jackson. There were no reports of any injuries.

Slight damage was reported to the Lincoln driven by Tusa, while moderate damage was reported to Day’s vehicle.


Accident claims life of Estherville woman Feb. 5, 2010

EMMETSBURG - An 18-year-old Estherville woman died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

Deborah Weideman of Estherville was driving a 2006 Chevy Impala south on Highway 4, about four miles north of the junction with Highway 18 in Palo Alto County.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, due to the ice cover on the highway, Weideman lost control of her vehicle and it crossed the center line and struck a northbound Peterbuilt semi driven by 45-year-old Todd Travis of Mallard. by Travis. Both vehicles went into the east ditch.

Weideman was taken by ambulance to Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, where she was pronounced dead.

Travis was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. There was no information regarding any injuries to Travis.

The accident remains under investigation.


Two-vehicle accident investigated Feb. 5, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Bailey and Sixth Streets.

Involved was a 2000 Ford Truck driven by Larry Smith of Jackson and a 2001 Dodge Dakota driven by Steven Nelson, also of Jackson. There was no report of any injuries.

Slight damage was reported to Smith’s truck, while moderate damage was reported to Nelson’s vehicle.


Spirit Lake man faces several charges Feb. 5, 2010

SPIRIT LAKE - A Spirit Lake man faces several charges after being arrested Thursday. David Moore, 29, was arrested for the alleged possession marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Around 7:20 p.m., Spirit Lake police made a routine traffic stop of a 2003 Buick Rendezvous driven by Moore.

Upon further investigation and a search of the air around the vehicle by the Spirit Lake Police Department’s K9 unit, a green leafy substance-marijuana and drug paraphernalia was allegedly found inside the vehicle.

Moore was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance-marijuana-3rd offense, an aggravated misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia; failure to obey a stop sign; and operation without insurance, all simple misdemeanors.


Parking recommendation discussed Feb. 4, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson City Council tabled action on a street committee recommendation that would have established a parking ban for the remainder of the winter due to the streets getting narrower because of all the snow.

The ban would have allowed parking only on the south side of the street for east-west streets and parking only on the east side of the street for north-south streets.

Some of the council members had questions on how the ban would affect parking at locations as Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and at Sacred Heart Clinic. There were also questions on how such a ban would be enforced.

Police Chief Tony Legnani asked the council not to establish a ban, but for now, appeal to the city’s residents to park on one side of the street to allow room for emergency vehicles and traffic.

Legnani said he would like to work with Street Superintendent George Tauer to look at developing plans for the future where parking for people would be available not only in the City H all lot, but in other open lots around town such at the schools when there is a lot of snow and streets need to be cleared.


Council tables action on proposed dog ordinance Feb. 4, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson City Council tabled action on a proposed ordinance that would restrict the chaining or tethering of dogs.

The ordinance pertains to the humane care of dogs, would not allow a dog to be chained or tied to any object for more than 4 hours at a time, specify the length of the chain or tether and would require an exercise enclosure for a dog six months of age or older to be 150 square feet per dog.

Tim Treybal, representing the organization, Dogs Deserve Better, along with several others spoke to the council about the proposed ordinance.

Council members were not against the ordinance, but felt that it needed to be revised.

Councilman Jerry Palmer said he is a dog lover, but was concerned about some of the provisions of the ordinance. He said there are people who take care of their dogs, but maybe have an outside kennel that's 120 square feet, instead of the 150 square feet as spelled out in the ordinance. He said some people will not have the space in their yard for a larger kennel.

Palmer also said there are people that work and may have their dog on a chain for eight hours, but their dog has shade, water and food and is very well cared for. Having them outside when they are working is what works best for those dog owners.

Councilman Gary Willink said he owns three dogs. He said he didn’t have a problem with the intent of the ordinance, but had questions about some of the specifics. He said half the dog owners may not meet the specifications in the ordinance.

Councilman Fred Bern asked how the proposed ordinance compares with the state ordinance. He said the city doesn’t need to go beyond the state ordinance. It was stated there is nothing in the state ordinance regarding tethering.

Police Chief Tony Legnani said it's a good idea to make people be responsible in caring for their dogs, but people take care of their dogs in various ways. Legnani expressed concerns on being able to enforce the ordinance with a limited number of officers who may be taking care of priority service calls. He said he is willing to work with anyone on constructive measures for the care of dogs and so there aren't dogs running loose

Action on the proposed ordinance was tabled. Palmer and Willink will work with those proposing the ordinance in making revisions before it’s brought back for council action.


New city administrator named Feb. 4, 2010

JACKSON - Patrick Christopherson is the new Jackson city administrator.

The Jackson City Council ratified the search committee’s recommendation to hire Christopherson, who has been serving as the city administrator in Wanamingo.

Christopherson’s hiring is contingent on completion of a background check. He will begin his duties on March 1. His starting annual salary will be $68,994 and will increase to $71,074 upon a satisfactory employee performance review after six months.

Current City Administrator Dean Albrecht is retiring after nearly 24 years. His final day at work will be March 5. There will be a retirement open house for Albrecht from 2:30-4 p.m. that day in the council chambers.


No update on river project available Feb. 4, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson City Council did not get an update on the river restoration project at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Economic Coordinator Sue Pirsig told the council that not all the information for a presentation was available. That’s expected to come at a meeting with the contractor and engineering firm Thursday.

She asked the council to table any decision on delaying the completion date of the project until all the information is available.

A memorandum from Barr Engineering last week recommended delaying construction activities and extending the substantial completion date until Aug. 27. The recommendation was being made as a result of various occurrences including unexpected weather and permit delays that did not allow Beemer Companies to perform the work required to complete the project as originally scheduled.

In other action, the council approved hiring Brandon Peil as a full-time police officer with a 12-month probationary period and starting salary of $18.27 per hour.

The council approved the agreement for professional services for land and airspace zoning with Bolton and Menk engineers with a cost not to exceed $47,360. Federal entitlements will pay for 95 percent of most of the tasks involved with the rezoning process.

The council also adopted resolutions designating Bank Midwest, United Prairie Bank, Jackson Federal Savings and Loan and Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Alpha as depositories of City funds.

Councilman Ken Temple also extended the city council’s condolences to the family of Margaret Salzwedel, who died in a traffic accident on Monday. Salzwedel had been employed with the city for 23 years as a police officer and investigator.


Montana men receives sentence Feb. 3, 2010

JACKSON - A 34-year-old Froid, Mont. man has been sentenced in connection with a two-vehicle accident nearly a year ago.

John Fordyce has been sentenced in Jackson County District Court in connection with the accident that injured 80-year-old Beth Benson of Jackson.

The accident occurred on Feb. 25 on Highway 71 near the intersection with County Road 34.

According to court documents, Fordyce’s blood alcohol content at the time of the accident was .16.

Through a plea agreement, Fordyce pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in great bodily harm. A second felony count and a misdemeanor count were dropped.

Judge Linda Titus suspended prison time and put Fordyce on supervised probation for up to five years if he meets requirements of his sentence. Those requirements include serving 270 days in jail with credit for good behavior, undergoing a chemical dependency assessment and follow recommendations, abstain from alcohol and drugs, write a letter of apology to Benson, maintain full-time employment, attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving impact panel if he can find one within 100 miles of his home and pay restitution.

Portions of the sentence will be delayed when Fordyce is called to active duty in the military. He was released on bond and must report to jail on March 1 with deferral for the time that he will deployed for military duty.


Caucus attendees make choices for governor Feb. 3, 2010

JACKSON - Two Democrats and two Republicans are establishing themselves as the candidates to beat for the party backing in the Minnesota Governor’s race. Tuesday’s caucuses were stage one for the party endorsement process.

State Representative Marty Seifert attracted 50 percent of the vote in a Republican straw poll and was declared the winner of the seven-person race by the state Republican party early Wednesday.

Fellow Representative Tom Emmer came in second with 39.5 percent, with 95 percent of Republican precincts reporting.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher were leading among the 11 Democratic candidates. Rybak had nearly 22 percent and Kelliher had 20 percent with 77 percent of precincts reporting. More than 14 percent of Democratic voters chose uncommitted.

Jackson County Republicans overwhelmingly chose Marty Seifert with 59 votes. Tom Emmer received six votes, with Bob Carney, Bill Hass and David Hand each receiving one vote.

There were 42 people at the Republican caucus at Minnesota West and 36 at the Multi-Purpose Building in Lakefield.

The Jackson County Republican Convention will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Multi-Purpose Building in Lakefield. It will be preceded by a dinner at noon to honor volunteers.

Approximately 30 people attended the Jackson County DFL caucus at the American Legion in Lakefield.

In a straw vote for governor, 11 votes were undecided, Matt Entenza received five votes, with other candidates each receiving one vote.

The Jackson County DFL County Convention will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Multi-Purpose building in Lakefield. A fund-raising meal will precede the convention at 1 p.m.


Spirit Lake voters approve levy Feb. 3, 2010

SPIRIT LAKE - Voters in the Spirit Lake school district Tuesday approved a physical plant and equipment levy by a vote of 816-638.

The levy will be in effect the next three years at a rate of 65 cents per $1,000 of valuation.

Revenue generated by the levy will be used to purchase laptop computers for each student in fifth through 12th grade, along with carts with computers on them for kindergarten through fourth grade.

Revenue from the levy will also be used to upgrade to a wireless network for the school district’s buildings, along with other technology improvements.


Judging team places at national convention Feb. 3, 2010

SAN ANTONIO - A Jackson County judging team placed second in competition at the National Cattlemens’ Association Convention.

The team of Nolan Hohenstein, Evan Koep, Zack Post and Tanner Post placed second in the beef quiz bowl and second in the beef judging contest.

Individually in beef judging, Post was second and earned $300, Koep was sixth, Post 28th and Hohenstein placed 32nd.

Plaques were awarded and the team received 300 for the beef quiz bowl.

There were 32 senior teams in competition, representing 97 individuals. The Jackson County team placed among the top third.

In addition, Maggie Post placed 26th in the junior beef judging. Brian Post also competed in the adult beef judging and placed second in a field of 24 as he earned a plaque and $150 in prize money.


Lakefield Business Association holds annual meeting Feb. 3, 2010

LAKEFIELD - Todd Van Epps and Eric Kruger were unanimously elected to the Lakefield Business Association’s Board of Directors at the Association’s annual banquet and meeting at the Emerald Valley Golf Club. They fill the vacancies of Donna Hendrickson and Janet Stammer, whose terms on the board ended.

Van Epps and Kruger join board members Dwayne Hage, Sue Hedrick, Tracy Wheeler and Tonia Bandy.

The many accomplishments and projects of the Lakefield Business Association were reviewed. Highlights of the past year included the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Summerfest events, the Taste of Harvest, and special events for Christmas.

Following the business meeting, Jim Wuerffel played guitar and sang, followed by karaoke with Terry Wheeler.


ILCC reports increase in credit hours Feb. 3, 2010

ESTHERVILLE - Iowa Lakes Community College is reporting an increase in credit hours for the spring term.

Credit hours climbed to 36,978 for the spring 2010 semester, an increase of 15.5 percent from a year ago. Student head count increased by 289, up 7.5 percent from the spring of 2009.

The most significant increase was in adult students age 25 and older. Julie Carlson, dean of students at Iowa Lakes Community College said most of those were dislocated workers returning to college to retrain and upgrade their skills.

Instructors reported having the older students in the classroom was positive in that they were able to share their life experiences with younger students.


One-vehicle accident investigated Feb. 3, 2010

WINDOM - One person was treated and released following a one-vehicle accident at 7:52 a.m. Tuesday on Highway 60, just south of Windom.

Francisco Garza of Windom, 30, was traveling on Highway 60 when his 2004 GMC ran off the road to the left and overturned coming to rest on its wheels.

Garza was taken to Windom Area Hospital, where he was treated and released. Moderate damage was reported to his vehicle.

The accident was investigated by the Minnesota State Patrol.


Lakefield woman dies in accident on I-90 Feb. 2, 2010

LAKEFIELD - A 47-year-old Lakefield woman died in a two-vehicle accident Monday morning west of the Lakefield exit on Interstate 90.

Margaret Salzwedel died at the scene of the accident, which occurred at 10:04 a.m. in the westbound lane.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Salzwedel was driving a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound in front of two westbound semis. All the vehicles were in the right lane.

The semi that was behind Salzwedel went into the left lane and passed Salzwedel.

That created a snow cloud and the front end of other semi that was behind Salzwedel driven by 23-year-old Adam Kleinsasser of Faulkton, S.D. collided with the rear end of Salzwdel’s Jeep.

Salzwedel’s vehicle went into the median and turned over one time. Salzwedel was ejected from her vehicle and died at the scene. No apparent injuries were reported to Kleinsasser.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.


Sibley man faces drug charges Feb. 4, 2010

JACKSON - A 37-year-old Sibley man was arrested Monday night by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for allegedly possessing marijuana.

Around 7:40 p.m., the Minnesota State Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Jackson Fire and Ambulance were called to a one-vehicle rollover on Interstate 90 east of Jackson.

Marvin Lopau was driving a 1992 Ford Escort westbound on I-90 when he lost control and ran off the road and rolled once. Lopau sustained minor injuries.

His passenger, 37-year-old Ellis Hargis, also sustained minor injuries.

At the accident scene, Hargis agreed to sit in a sheriff’s deputy’s squad car to keep warm and out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Once in the squad car, the deputy began to smell the odor of marijuana. After a search of Hargis, the deputy located three pounds of marijuana on his person.

Hargis was arrested and remains in custody in the Jackson County Jail under a $15,000 bond.


Sibley man hurt in rollover Feb. 2, 2010

JACKSON - Minor injuries were reported in a one-car rollover at 7:44 p.m. Monday on Interstate 90, east of Jackson.

Marvin Lopau of Sibley, Iowa, 37, was driving a 1992 Ford Escort westbound on I-90 when he lost control to the left, overcorrected back to the right where he ran off the road and rolled once, coming to rest on the roof.

The Jackson Ambulance Department responded to the scene.

Lopau and his passenger, 37-year-old Ellis Hargis, also of Sibley, both sustained minor injuries. Moderate damage was reported to Lopau’s car.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department assisted the State Patrol at the scene.


Snowmobile accident injures Spirit Lake man Feb. 2, 2010

SPIRIT LAKE - The Spirit Lake Police investigated a snowmobile accident at 11:05 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of 41st Street and Sunner Avenue.

According to police, 37-year-old Michael Fisbeck of Spirit Lake was operating a 2007 Ski Doo northbound on the snowmobile trail along Sunner Avenue.

Fisbeck lost control, rolled his snowmobile and was thrown off. Another northbound snowmobile, a 2005 Ski Doo, driven by 33-year-old Todd Fine of Spirit Lake was traveling behind Fisbeck and struck him.

Fisbeck was taken by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare. It was reported he was later airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital. Fine and a passenger on his snowmobile were not injured.

Fine was charged with operating while intoxicated-first offense. Fisbeck was charged with operating while intoxicated-third offense.

Damage was estimated at $1,000 to each snowmobile.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, Spirit Lake First Responders, Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance and paramedics, and the Iowa DNR assisted at the scene.


Accident involving snowmobile reported near Fostoria Feb. 2, 2010

FOSTORIA - A 29-year-old Prairie City, Iowa man was injured in a snowmobile accident near Fostoria.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Justin Vetter was operating a snowmobile southbound in the Highway 71 right-of-way around 2 p.m. Saturday when he lost control, causing his snowmobile to roll end-over-end.

Vetter was thrown from the snowmobile. He was taken by ambulance to Spencer Hospital and then airlifted to McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. The extent of his injuries were not immediately known.

Vetter’s snowmobile sustained an estimated $1,500 in damage.

The Spencer Hospital Ambulance, Spencer Emergency Response and Fostoria Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.


One-vehicle mishap is reported Feb. 1, 2010

MAGNOLIA - The Minnesota State Patrol investigated a one-vehicle accident at 8:35 a.m. Monday in the eastbound lane of Interstate 90 at the Magnolia exit in Rock County.

Roger Johnson of Webster, S.D., 62, was driving a 2002 Chevy van when a semi passed him causing a snow cloud. Johnson drove off the road and struck a Department of Transportation sign and other marker posts.

Johnson was not injured. Severe damage was reported to his van.


Hendricksen, Hohenstein reign over winterfest Feb. 1, 2010


Briel Hendricksen and Alex Hohenstein

JACKSON - Alex Hohenstein and Briel Hendricksen were crowned Jackson County Central's winterfest king and queen at the coronation ceremony Sunday at the JCC Performing Arts Center.

Other king candidates were Joel Hartzler, Cody Christensen and Matt Kocak. Other queen candidates were Stacey Schuller, Heather Heser and Jaci Runksmeier.

Junior attendants were Natalie Reardon and Brandon Pygman, sophomore attendants are Abby Buarapha and Jayden Montz and freshman attendants were Michelle Van Epps and Darick Vancura.

The princess and prince were first-graders Halle Hunt and Daniel Eggink. Also part of the royalty was Neda Davoudi, a foreign exchange student from Austria.

Rachel Buresch, accompanied by Ben Connors, sang 'The Best Days.' Megan Johnson, Jake Johnson and Andrew Paulson performed the song 'Born to Fly.'

Chelsey Mitchell and Levi Buresch were emcees.


 

Board approves flexible learning year application Feb. 1, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson County Central School Board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the flexible learning year application. Board member Scott McClure was absent.

JCC is one of more than 20 school districts in southwest Minnesota submitting an application to the Minnesota Department of Education to begin the school year 10 days early. Under the plan, Jackson County Central would start its school year on Aug. and end on May 18.

The main reason to allow for 10 extra student contact days at the beginning of the year to better prepare for state tests in April and May.

Board member Mary Bezdicek made the motion to approve the application, with John Buschena seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with each board voicing their vote.

Prior to the board’s action, Laura Stubbe spoke in support of the earlier start. She knows those that put together the proposal are looking at what’s best for the students. She also noted there will be no additional expense for the district to start the school year early.

Stubbe, who has five children in the school system, said they are active in 4-H and the State Fair, but feels the kids could get caught up if they miss a few days.

Brian Johnson spoke to the board representing those who oppose the flexible learning year.


Snow makeup dates are scheduled Feb. 1, 2010

JACKSON - The Jackson County Central School Board discussed making up school for snow days. The board approved making up the days missed on Feb. 15, March 15 and April 5.

A March 15 in-service will be moved to the end of the year. The rescheduling of make-up of days for last Monday and Tuesday will be reviewed by the board later.

Superintendent Todd Meyer told the school board that most of the teachers stayed at the school on Monday and worked on various items, so he would propose counting that day as an in-service day.

In other action, the board approved the resignation of Denise Wetzler as a high school cook’s helper effective on Jan. 27.

Also, the board approved accepting a $1,000 donation from the Mark A. Hamre Fund of the Minnesota Community Foundation in memory of Verlyn Steuber to go to the wrestling fund.

Approval was also given to accepting a $1,000 donation from the estate of Duane Larson to go to the athletic fund.

School board member Mary Bezdicek reported that $4,200 was collected in the fall mail fundraising campaign for the Jackson County Central Education Foundation.


Public hearing continued Feb. 1, 2010

JACKSON - The public hearing regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds to partially finance the proposed new county services building will be continued at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Community Room at the Resource Center.

The public hearing was scheduled to be held at the Jan. 26 regular county commission meeting, but the actual hearing was postponed due to snow and closed roads Tuesday.

Since it was on the agenda, Commission Chairman Roger Ringkob opened the public hearing, but then immediately continued it. There were no comments other than for setting the new date.

General obligation capital improvement bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,195,000 are being proposed to partially finance the proposed building, of which $2 million of cash reserves would also be used toward the project. The proposed project includes demolition of the 1938 portion of the Resource Center and the
construction of a new 28,785-square foot building.

If the project moves forward following the public hearing, demolition of the 1938 building would take place this spring or summer, with bidding in August or September and construction starting in September. The project would be complete by Dec., 2011.

In other business, the commissioners approved a request from the sheriff's department for the purchase of two new squad cars to replace two current squad cars. The purchase of two new squad cars was delayed last year due to budget concerns. The squads scheduled for replacement are a 2003 Chevy Impala with 145,500 miles and a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria with 143,500 miles.

Approval was given to purchase two Crown Victorias at a cost of $43,139 on a state contract bid price from Elk River Ford. The two old squad cars were declared as surplus and will be auctioned off.

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