During their recent quarterly meeting at Driftwood Golf & Fitness in Clearwater, the Clear Valley Business Connections organization heard city updates and recent happenings with the Wright Co. narcotics division.

 

 

After introductions by attendees, Clearwater Mayor Pete Edmonson and Clear Lake Mayor Tim Goenner gave the group updates on city happenings. 

 

Edmonson reported there were three things going on that could impact businesses. First, they were working on adding an additional water line across I-94 to ensure there would be a full system on both sides of the river.

 

Second, next year the SE street project would be occurring, taking place mostly in residential areas and consisting of street reclaims and overlays.

Third, Clearwater businesses will need to decide if they want to continue the half-cent sales tax that will expire in 2026.

 

“There was a 20-year accumulation,” said Edmonson. “Lots of city parks have been upgraded with the money. The council will need to decide if they want to renew, adjust or let it expire.”

 

He also informed the group there were three seats open on city council, two four-year council seats and the mayor seat, as he will not be running for reelection.

Goenner told attendees about Clear Lake’s new quiet zone.

 

“We’re finally quiet over there,” he said. “I attempted this five years ago and was told it wouldn’t happen, but I’m a very patient man. A month ago, we finally got the letter. I didn’t realize how many people it affected.”

 

He informed the group there was new building going on in Parkside and Hunter Lake Bluffs, and recapped the new $1.2 million sewer ponds expansion that started a couple months ago. He thanked Edmonson, saying it was critical the two cities work together.

 

 

Wright Co. Patrol Captain Sean Deringer informed the group the narcotics division performed a search warrant in Maple Lake recently, which netted meth, cocaine, marijuana wax and over 50 lbs. of edible THC.

 

Another search warrant was conducted in St. Michael that found about a third again of that amount.

 

“The content is so high in these gummies [edible THC, 200 milligrams] any of us would be unconscious after ingesting them,” he said. “It’s all over our schools. You have to stay vigilant.”

 

A pack of gummies can be purchased for under $30 in Colorado; each piece can be sold for $20 to $40 each in Minnesota.

 

He said vaping is the hottest topic in schools right now, and as the cartridges come flavored they don’t smell like marijuana. 

 

He informed the group after receiving a $26,000 grant this year all Wright Co. deputies now carry Narcan, a nasal spray that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. Six lives have been saved with its use since February.

 

 

Edmonson informed the group he’s stepping down after being one of the lead organizers for Clearwater Heritage Days for a number of years. He’s looking to sub it out to a group and handed out a festival volunteer overview form for members to look over and hopefully discuss again at the next meeting.

 

The CVBC annual meeting will be Jan. 10 at the remodeled Clearwater Lions building; dues will be due and the vice president position is open and needs to be filled. The meeting will again feature the annual chili cook-off.