Big Lake had loads of interesting things happen to the community throughout 2022. The Patriot brings you just some of the highlights.
January
At a Big Lake City Council meeting in January of last year, council accepted Police Chief Matt Hayen’s resignation following a long investigation of the chief after a complaint was filed against him. Hayen was told earlier in the week that he had 48 hours to submit a resignation or the city would pursue termination. All five council members expressed their sadness over accepting Heyen’s resignation. They all attested to his character, with Mayor Paul Knier going so far as to offer a letter of recommendation to Hayen’s next job.
February
Premier Marine of Big Lake announced in February that Matt Homan was named the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and equity partner. Homan brings extensive leadership, team building and dealer network skills to Premier Marine. Current interim president, Ron Inman, was tasked with guiding Homan’s transition while also serving as Vice President of Business Development for Envision Company.
March
City Administrator Clay Wilfahrt submitted his resignation to the council in March citing his acceptance of another job with Wright County. Hanna Klimmek began serving as the interim administrator until she was hired for the job later in the year.
April
Elisa Berry of Big Lake opened a new caoffe shop/cafe April 22 called Ember Coffee. The shop is located in the same space as the former Fudgin’ Delicious and Hom Decor store, on the corner of Hwy. 10 and Eagle Lake Rd. S. in Big Lake.
Berry decided on the name “Ember” as she was inspired by Big Lake’s history as a hub of entertainment, were people from all over would gather and make new connections. She hopes that her cafe, too, can serve as the ember that creates new memories and connections and brings people together.
May
Edina Realty, Heitz-Gardner in Big Lake, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on a Tuesday in May. Several guests were invited including the Realtors and their families as well as members of the Becker and Big Lake Chambers. Edina Realty held the event out back of their building at 690 Humboldt Drive, NW (next to McPete’s) where they celebrated their office grand opening.
June
Tristan, Mackensie and Raeanna Cota of Big Lake enlisted to become Marines in the United States military in June of 2022.
“I cannot be more proud of my three children and what they decided to do with their futures after high school,” Father Jim said (served in Desert Storm as a Marine from 1987 to 1991). “They went in a little nervous and reluctant but they all are very grateful they stuck it out and are now flourishing.”
July
In July, the City of Big Lake announced the names of three finalists for the openBig Lake Police Chief position. They were Sgt. Kenneth Dvorak, Sgt. Timothy Jeanetta and Captain John Kaczmarek. Each of the candidates had extensive backgrounds and credentials and after numerous interviews, the city decided to hire Kaczmarek and he was officially sworn-in in October.
August
Hundreds of Big Lakers descended upon Lakeside Park last August to hear the debut concert of Humboldt Station featuring former Mayor Mike Wallen. The concert was held as part of the weekly Music in the Park event the city puts on throughout the summer for area residents and guests.
September
Big Lake local Kevin staples went on a very unique trip this past summer. He took his motorcycle all over Europe and into parts of Africa and Asia. Back before Memorial Day, Staples headed over the Germany, where he had arranged to have his bike shipped. He went without a plan, just a date when he had to be back home. Staples is already planning his next few years’ of bike trips. He hopes to make a trip from the southern point of South America back home again.
October
A new movement swept the Big Lake community this past fall, promoting positivity and letting neighbors get to know each other. Realtor and long-time Big Lake resident Liz Fagen is behind the movement and she says that the community has had its share of tough times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she really felt that everyone would benefit from a boost of positivity every week.
November
John Donovan was named the Patriot’s Veteran of the Year in November. Donovan is an army veteran and is the co-founder and director of Recovery Community Network, a local non-profit which aims to help those struggling to overcome addiction.
December
During their regular meeting in December, the Big Lake City Council recognized Officer Todd Siebert’s years of service with the Big Lake Police Department. Siebert retired after having served 15 years with the department. Chief John Kaczmarek thanked Siebert for his years of service and presented him with a shadow box frame honoring his service. Siebert thanked everyone and noted it was his pleasure to serve the city for so many years. He will spend his retirement enjoying quality time with his grandchildren.
