Board urged to move quickly if it wants to use state grant to upgrade Murdock heating plant
by Ted Almen
The KMS E-Committee and plans to do something to improve the Murdock elementary building heating plant are still on the back burner, but some recent action fueled a bit of discussion at this month’s Board of Education meeting.
Superintendent Martin Heidelberger told the board back on March 9 that the committee had met recently and talked about a two- boiler configuration that can utilize dual fuel. Just what kinds of dual fuel are undecided, but may include biomass, petroleum or electricity. Smaller boilers, Heidelberger said, are more efficient than the one large boiler under current use.
Without solicitation, the district has already received two requests to bring forward quotes on renovating the system. KMS has been selected to receive a 50-50 matching grant to install a system which reduces the use of fossil fuels at Murdock, and Heidelberger said that if the board is going to take advantage of that grant it should begins moving “...in rather quick fashion.”
“I would say by May we should tell the state if we intend on using it or release it so they can give it to others,” he said.
“We need to put it out there so more people can come forward,” said board member Lynn Suter. Heidelberger agreed that at some point the board would put definite specifications out for bids, but that the two firms wishing to make presentations are more or less for rough ideas.
“We just wanted ballpark figures,” said board and E-Committee member Steve Collins.
Mike Lindquist is also an E-Committee member, and he said now is the time to research if the steam pipes being used in the current system at the Murdock school are capable of handling hot water should it be converted to water. Heidelberger also added that other issues should be considered as well, including roof repair or replacement. |
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Kerkhoven Council gets audit report, discusses golf course insurance
by Bev Ahlquist
A representative from the auditing firm of Westberg Eischens of Willmar was at Monday night’s Kerkhoven City Council meeting to go over the audit report.
The city was given an unqualified opinion, which is what a city would want, he said.
He went over the audit, making brief comments regarding the different funds. He did say the city has no formal policy regarding interest rate risk, and really should have a formal policy.
The council also met with a couple representatives from the golf course regarding insurance. The League of Minnesota Cities cannot provide insurance for the golf course since there is no current lease, and since it’s city property if someone gets hurt on the golf course they could come after the city.
Councilwoman Mona Doering said the League also said the city would have to control the golf course if they did that. “I don’t think the city wants to control it.”
The golf course representatives said the golf course is broke and can’t pay for insurance.
City clerk Kim Harkema said if they went with a private insurance company the cost would be outrageous, much more expensive than with the League.
Mayor Brian Thompson wanted to know why the golf course wasn’t blanketed under the city coverage and was told it’s because the city leases the land. “If we cover it we have to take control, the board would be disbanded and the city would control it.” She said the only answer is to give them a lease and they insure it.
The city was told membership used to be at 120, and is now down to 20 to 30. They also asked the city to contract Benson and other cities with city-owned golf clubs to see how they run theirs.
“We need more information before we can make any decision,” said councilman Bruce Thayer.
Thompson agreed, and said he would get more information and bring it to another meeting.
Doering also said it would be nice to talk to the League and find out exactly what they mean by control of operations. Thayer said he didn’t know why the golf course should be any different than the Civic Center and pool, which are city owned and run by boards.
The golf club will be meeting the first week in April. By the council’s next meeting they should have more information.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding the swimming pool in regards to fees, hours the pool is open and the need for lifeguards.
Fees have been across the board in the past and the question was raised if they should lower the family membership fees for residents living in the city since they’re already paying taxes on the pool. Membership is now at $125 across the board. The pool manager, Patty Peterson, said those living in the country aren’t getting taxed on the pool. The daily admission at the pool is $3 for all day or $2 after 5:00 p.m.
The council felt it should remain the same for everybody. “Leave all the same,” said Ashburn. “We’re paying taxes for having the pool, it’s a benefit,” said Doering.
Monica Thayer will be the pool manager this summer as well as an instructor. Peterson said they only have three instructors at this time and that’s concerning as she would like to see more.
They also talked about the hours of operation, which will be discussed at a pool board meeting as well.
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Kandiyohi County Board inks agreement with BNSF for Pennock crossing signals
by Bev Ahlquist
A resolution entering into an official agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for installation and maintenance of railroad crossing signals at the County Road One crossing in Pennock was unanimously approved by the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners at their meeting March 17.
County Public Works Director Gary Danielson called this a new world record in document preparation by the state.
The motion to approve the agreement was made by Commissioner Dean Shuck. “They’re happy in Pennock,” he said.
There is a 12 month window for the project to be finished, Danielson said, so the work should be completed within that time frame. It’s expected the work will start this summer.
The agreement is between the county, the railroad and the Commissioner of Transportation. The county’s share of the cost is 30 percent of the total signal cost. The total estimated cost of the project is 50 percent state funds of $35,730; 30 percent county funds of $21,438; and 20 percent of railroad funds of $14,460 for a total of $71,460.
The project was estimated to cost $256,000, but since the circuitry at the crossing had already been upgraded by the BNSF Railroad, the cost to install gates is substantially less than putting in a complete new system.
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Former teacher and coach Lynden Nelson to be inducted into Wrestling Hall of Fame
The 2009 David Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame induction dinner will have a particular local interest this year as long-time KHS and KMS wrestling coach Lynden Nelson will enter the hallowed hall. The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, April 4th at the Willmar Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 2100 East Hwy.12, begining at 4:00 p.m. with a social hour followed by dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the induction at 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased for $30 from KMS assistant wrestling coach Steve Ricard, 405 15th St. North, Benson, MN 56215; or by calling 320-843-4508 (home), 320-843-2710 (work) or 320-444-0569 (cell). He can also be reached by email at sricard@benson.k12.mn.us
Nelson is being inducted as a coach. He attended Glenwood High School, graduating in 1956. Nelson compiled a 45-10 record during his three years of high school wrestling. He attended the University of Minnesota-Morris where he played football and wrestled on their first ever college wrestling team, being part of a five-year undefeated West Lake Conference Dual meet run. Two separated shoulders ended his wrestling career.
Nelson graduated with a BA in Education and began teaching and coaching in Kerkhoven and later KMS. In his 25 years of coaching he compiled a record of 254-53-3. He was named the Coach Of The Year in the 212 Conference in 1987 and 1988. He was voted Region 3A coach of the year in 1987, losing in the region finals to a very solid Canby team. Nelson coached numerous state entrants and state place winners. He also was instrumental in developing the local AAU wrestling program, and he coached kid wrestling for 20 years.
The quality of Nelson’s teams year in and year out helped to raise the level of competitiveness in the area. He had teams that defeated Paynesville, which at the time was one of the best in the state. Even after retirement he encouraged and promoted wrestling constantly. He served as an official weigh-in person at the state tournament from 1988 to 1997.
Nelson and his wife Sharon now live near Park Rapids. |
