Sievert hired as full-time police chief at city council meeting
Officer Tony Sievert was hired as the full-time Chief of Police at the council meeting this week. Trustee David Enke, left, and Sievert signed the contracts at the end of the meeting.
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
The Lake Benton City Council met for their regular meeting on Monday, July 17 at the Heritage Center City Offices. In Mayor Bob Worth’s absence, Trustee Rosie DeZeeuw led the meeting.
At the July 5 meeting, the council tabled the decision on hiring a full-time police chief. The discussion was reopened and the Human Resources Committee recommended hiring Acting Police Chief Tony Sievert as the City’s full-time Chief of Police. The council approved hiring Sievert, as well as a union contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). In a statement given after the meeting, Sievert stated, “I really appreciate what the community has done for me and I hope to continue to protect and serve the citizens of Lake Benton.”
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community, Government |Chamber discusses plans for Te Tonka Ha and reviews Saddle Horse Holiday
Marc Widmark is part of the planning committee for the Te Tonka Ha Rendezvous that will take place Aug. 4-6.
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
The Lake Benton Chamber of Commerce met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 11. The minutes of the previous meeting and the treasurer’s report were reviewed and approved.
Te Tonka Ha was the first topic of discussion. According to Chamber Coordinator Alisha Kuhn, the majority of the planning for the event is being taken care of by Karen Lichtsinn, Marc Widmark and Sarah Meyer. Kuhn has been working with Buffalo Ridge Newspapers on printing the posters and expects to have them in the next day or so. The food vendors are being finalized and the entertainment has mostly been confirmed…
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community |Lincoln County Veterans Services receives donated handicap van
Lincoln County VSO Dan Kuss demonstrates the lift seat in the handicap-accessible van the county received for the veterans. The van also has a wheelchair lift.
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
Lincoln County Veterans Services was chosen by Newgate School, located in the Twin Cities, as the recipient of a handicap-accessible van to be used for transportation of county veterans to VA Medical Centers. The van had been donated to Newgate School, who, after making sure the van was mechanically sound and detailed like new, in turn donated the van to Lincoln County veterans at the annual Dennis Kirk Patriot Ride, which they help sponsor.
The van is a 2007 Ford E350 XLT Superduty, with just 32,000 miles on it. It features a wheelchair lift, and one of the rear passenger captain’s chairs works as a lift chair that swings out and down via an electronic control to aid those who cannot step up into the van.
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community, Government |Chad and Pam Olsen family recognized as 2017 Farm Family
Chad and Pam Olsen with their children Claire, Charlie, Ellie, Josie and Nora.
The Chad and Pam Olsen family of Hendricks has been named Lincoln County’s 2017 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.
Chad started farming in 1987 with a small dairy farm. In 1990 the barn burned and Chad lost everything, including his herd. He continued to raise grain and started a custom combine business—Olsen Custom Farms—in 1992, with one combine.
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community |Legos at the Lake Benton Library
Above: Creative juices flowed as area children designed new vehicles and buildings for Lego City.
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
On Friday, July 14 the Lake Benton Public Library’s meeting area was overrun by a miniature city built out of Lego pieces. Curtis Mork, also known as The Lego Guy, came all the way from Colorado, bringing thousands of Lego pieces with him. He set up a miniature city scene and displayed many Lego figurines. He also talked about the history of Legos and how he began collecting them. The program ended with more than 30 local children building “something that comes from LegoCity” with Lego blocks, creating several interesting and unique structures.
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
The kids at the Lake Benton Public Library were allowed to build something for Lego City with hundreds of Lego bricks and components.
The rules of the road: Dealing with non-traditional road traffic this summer
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
With summer in full swing, motorists can expect traffic to pick up as well. However, vehicles with four wheels aren’t the only traffic that drivers need to watch for. Here are some tips to keep you and everyone else on the roads safe.
Be aware of bicycles. According to YieldtoLife.org, “In all states, cyclists are deemed by law to be drivers of vehicles and are entitled to the same rights on the road as motorists…Treat them as you would any slow-moving vehicle.”
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community |Two closed sessions at Lake Benton City Council meeting
Legal Counsel joined the Lake Benton City Council for the July 5 meeting. He was there to advise the Council during discussion on land acquisition and hiring a new Chief of Police for the city.
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
The Lake Benton City Council met for a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 5 in the Heritage Center/City Office. All council members were present, as well as City Clerk/Administrator Eileen Christensen, Maintenance Supervisor Todd Draper, Acting Police Chief Tony Sievert, and Legal Counsel Mike Cable.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and because no one was there to present anything for the two-minute forum, the meeting went into closed session for discussion of a possible property purchase. The meeting was reopened and no action was taken.
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community, Government |Biever to speak to Lake Benton Senior Dining about Hospice 101
A sing-along at the Senior Center in August 2015.
By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com
Lake Benton Senior Dining will again host a special guest speaker during the month of July. Dan Biever of Compassionate Care Hospice will present “Hospice 101” on Tuesday, July 25 at the Lake Benton Community Center. Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. Anyone interested in attending the meal and program should reserve a meal by calling 507-368-9564 by no later than Friday, July 21. The meal will be sponsored by Biever and Compassionate Care Hospice, meaning meals will be available at a reduced cost.
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community |Lincoln County may receive a van to transport county veterans
Commissioner Jack Vizecky reviews the draft letter that is going out regarding the transfer of county roads to townships.
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners heard from Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Dan Kuss at their Wednesday, July 5 meeting.
Kuss talked about an opportunity to get a veterans van with four captain chairs for seating and a wheelchair lift in the back. Kuss said the Freedom Riders raise money to help with veterans programs, and they are giving away a $30,000 van. Kuss said he submitted for Lincoln County, and was told they think providing the van for Lincoln County veterans is a worthy cause…
For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.
Filed under Community, Government |Rain Dancers wanted
According to local farmers, the area crops are still in fair condition; however, rain is desperately needed.