With a significant election in November, city employees being canned and candidates being attacked in bars — there was a lot of important news to talk about in 2018.

 

 

Becker City Administrator Greg Pruszinske hired a consultant to take some of the administrative duties off his plate and assist in operational and strategic planning.  

 

Cindy Shore was hired at a rate of $200/hr. for up to 24 hours per week — causing an outcry from residents.

 

The result of the strategic planning meant three department heads — Troy Malo of the golf course, Jamie Cassidy of the BCC and Joe Danielson of the streets department — would lose their jobs in early June.

 

 

In March, the Santiago Twp. Board discussed with an engineering firm and an attorney to consider establishing and adopting a resolution for a zoning plan in Santiago.

 

The board invited Nancy Riddle from Sherburne County to help answer some questions in regards to implementing an alternative standard not in accordance with the county. They explained to Riddle that Big Lake had done so and then they proceeded to turn it back to the county.

 

Riddle suggested she put something together in writing that would help the board when situations with residents occur like this one.

 

 

Roger Bigalke, a Becker resident and Vietnam war veteran, approached city  and township boards to ask for support in having a Veteran’s Memorial constructed in Becker in honor of those who are serving, those who have served and those who will serve in the future.

 

Bigalke said the timeframe to have the memorial finished is for Freedom Days of 2020, the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

 

 

MnDOT held an open house in April at the community center to explain and answer questions about the summer road improvement project for Hwy. 10.

 

The project reconstructed eastbound Hwy. 10 between Clear Lake and Big Lake using full-depth reclamation. MnDOT also installed a new Reduced Conflict Intersection at the Hwy. 10/Co. Rd. 23 intersection in Becker and extended turn lanes, repaired underground pipes and other drainage infrastructure, and improved pedestrian safety and accessibility. 

 

The project was completed in November.

 

 

Following lingering concerns from the public in regards to Northern Metals relocating to Becker, the City of Becker decided to hold another open house in June to dispel rumors and answer questions.

 

Scott Helberg, COO of NMR and a resident of Becker, spoke to the crowd about his company and its move to Becker. City Administrator Greg Pruszinske introduced the parties at the open house which included Mayor Tracy Bertram and Councilmembers Rick Hendrickson and Mike Doering, Community Development Director Marie Pflipsen and members of Trinity Consulting — the firm responsible in assisting Northern Metals with the process of passing air-quality controls.

    

 

The Santiago Country Store and Bailey Ray’s were robbed in July in which cigarettes and other merchandise were swiped by a robber suspected of other break-ins in the area.

 

Santiago Twp. Clerk Kathy Woolard — who runs the Country Store — said surveillance photos captured the suspect roaming the store and damaging property and bagging up items for at least a half-an-hour. She said the suspect was dressed in all black and crawled around the store knowing where the surveillance cameras were.

 

A couple days earlier, Goodfella’s in Ronneby was hit by what looked like the same intruder. 

 

 

Chairman Mike Ganz requested that the township consider creating a logo for Palmer which would be used on the equipment owned by the township including the new maintenance truck. It was recommended that the clerk put a request for ideas on the township’s website in late July.

 

 

Four candidates threw their hats in the ring to run for Jim Newberger’s seat in the House of Representatives for 15B.

 

Jessica Filiaggi and Karla Scapanski ran under the DFL ticket. Shane Mekeland ran under the GOP endorsement and Myron Wilson ran as an Independent. Mekeland won the election in November over Scapanski and Wilson.

 

 

Deputy Clerk Marilyn Danielson was honored at a retirement party at city hall in August where friends, colleagues and relatives enjoyed cake, coffee and conversation.

 

Danielson began her career at the City of Becker in October of 1989. She held many positions within the city and has helped out at the Community Center, Pebble Creek, Becker Police, Public Works and the Fire Dept.

 

 

Meghan Swanson, Delaney Varney and Gabby Artman of Girl Scout Troop 698 gave a presentation to the Palmer Board in mid-August to construct and place a “Little Library” at Palmer Park as part of their goal to achieve a Silver Award.

 

The little library would contain books for children and anyone passing by can take a book to read or leave one for someone else to find.

 

 

Candidate for House Seat 15B Shane Mekeland was attacked in October at Jack & Kim’s restaurant in Duelm — and he suffered a concussion from a man he said he didn’t even know.

 

Mekeland reported he arrived at the restaurant on a Friday around 9 p.m. to talk to the owner about possibly renting some banquet space to hold a political forum.

 

Mekeland said after a while, he exited the restaurant to go to his vehicle to fetch a yard sign for a young man who was interested in getting one. When he returned, a rather large man (6’+ and 250-300-lbs.) was asking questions. When Shane sat down, he handed the guy a literature piece and extended his hand to shake when the man threw a punch to his face. The blow knocked Mekeland to the floor and the man proceeded to jump on top of him.

 

The attacker has since been charged with assault and Mekeland eventually recovered from the incident.

 

 

Troy Cox and Rick Hendrickson beat out challengers  Dennis C. Carlson, Lynette Brannan and Dennis J. Rzeszotarski in November’s city-wide election for two seats on council.

 

Cox begins his first day on council at the first January city council meeting.

 

 

Councilmember Lori Keller was recognized for her years of service to the city as she attended her final city council meeting last week.

 

Keller was presented a memento by Rick Hendrickson.