Ken Halverson was the only member of the Big Lake City Council absent on Wed., Sept. 25. Families and fellow officers filled the gallery in the city council chambers eagerly awaiting Mayor Paul Knier to administer the Oath of Office to two Big Lake Police Officers.
The first was Officer Kaleb Sawatsky. Sawatsky has approximately nine years of law enforcement experience having previously worked for the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office and the Mille Lac’s County Sheriff’s Office. After the oath of office, Sawatsky’s wife, Kourtney joined him to pin on has badge.
In May of this year, the BLPD posted an opening for Police Sergeant. Officer Nic Prigge, a member of the BLPD since 2015, applied for the position. After a rigorous process, Prigge was promoted to Police Sergeant. Prigge’s wife Kim and daughter participated in the pinning on of his badge.
Mayor Knier concluded the ceremonies by congratulating both men and thanking their families and friends for attending. He also acknowledged the importance of the BLPD.
“I think we all recognize that we’re very proud of our police force here in town and we have a very pro police community,” he said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Manufacturing Month
A proclamation was passed that declared October to be Big Lake Manufacturing Month. Throughout the month, CareerForce, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will be hosting tours and hiring events and job fairs for career seekers and students. Those events and activities will be posted on the city website and social media platforms with the goal to raise awareness in the community of the importance of manufacturing and to highlight the impact of manufacturing in Big Lake.
Public Works
Norm Michels, Streets, Parks, and Fleet Superintendent, began addressing the council by thanking sponsors, volunteers and seasonal PT staff for their work this summer. Music in the park, movie in the park, and the summer Farmer’s Market could not have occurred without them. Michels reminded everyone of the upcoming Winter Farmers Market which occurs on the third Saturday of the month at Big Lake City Hall from 10am-1pm beginning in November and ending in April. The highlight of the event will be in December when residents can receive free professional photos with Santa.
Annual snowplow maintenance is two thirds complete. Maintenance began in September and should be finished the middle of October. In the next weeks, Public works will begin filling potholes and sweeping streets to prepare for winter.
Dan Childs, Water and Wastewater Superintendent, explained that the department will begin draining hydrants and making any necessary repairs. Childs asks that residents refrain from painting hydrants. The color matters to the Fire Department and should not be changed. Hydrants with black lids do not need to be drained.
Early Absentee Voting
Hannah Klimmek noted that election judges are still needed. Applications can be found on the city website and returned via mail or scanned and emailed to City Clerk, Gina Wolbeck, gwolbeck@biglakemn.org. Klimmek also reminded residents that absentee voting is not available at city hall. Those who wish to absentee vote in-person must go to the Sherburne County Government Center. In-person absentee voting began on Sept. 20.
