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ON THE GREAT RIVER ROAD NV
Newsletter of the City of Otsego Vol. 6, No. 3, July 1996
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1-VIURDAY4 JULY 1 34 19-96
1Ot00A.M. TO4t00 P,M, ,
O
TsErU RAI RI E PARK ;� ..
The Otsego Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Community Recreation Board invite Otsego area residents to <. • go
enjoy a day of fun at Otsego Prairie Park. There will be games cc
for all ages,concessions, horse and wagon rides,craft
demonstrations,and antique farm equipment,cars,and trucks ' ,,.. • tval
on display. The Parks and Recreation Commission and the • •
Recreation Board want to take this opportunity to thank . = :`
community members for their help and support of Prairie Park. :
Exhibitors are welcome to share at Appreciation Day by
contacting Jeff Bartheld(441-7059)or Thomas Baillargeon
(441-1640). Prairie Park is located adjacent to Otsego City f.
Hall, 8899 Nashua Ave. v� - Ar
Otsego neighbors to gather
by Pam Black Making road while the sun shines
Tuesday, August 6th is National Night Out. It is also Crews from the Minnesota Department of Transportation
Otsego's first organized attempt to participate in this national have been working on Hwy. 101 at every opportunity of good
event to halt neighborhood crime by encouraging neighbors to weather, including some weekends and nights with the aid of
become more alert. National Night Out is designed to: lights. Morning commuters report that traffic moves slower
•Heighten crime prevention awareness because drivers are watching the construction. The four lane
•Generate support in local anti-crime efforts upgrade is scheduled for completion this fall.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit Meanwhile,developers speculate about the possibilities
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are along the highway corridor. Otsego, Dayton and Frankfort are
anxious to provide sanitary sewer to the area. For the city of
watching and fighting back.
Otsego, it means an opportunity for economic development.
From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on August 6th, residents in As work on the road progresses,boundary issues have
neighborhoods throughout Otsego and across the nation are
come into the spotlight as various entities vie for a piece of
asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the the economic pie.
evening outdoors getting to know their neighbors. Suggested The Otsego-Albertville Consolidation Study Conmiission
neighborhood events include simple things such as a dessert ordered by the Minnesota Municipal Board has held its first
gathering. a potluck, sharing a watermelon, or an after dark organizational meetings. A recent District Court ruling
walk through the neighborhood with flashlights. overturned two previously granted annexations to Albertville
If you want to sponsor a gathering or just want more from Otsego property owners. More annexation requests have
information. call Otsego City Hall or Pam Black at 441-5255 been accepted for consideration by the Municipal Board.
before July 31st National Night out is an ideal opportunity for Representatives of Otsego,Frankfort, Albertville,and St.
building neighborhoods and strengthening community Michael have been meeting in an effort to come to an
partnerships to build a safer community. vn�
equitable solution.
Iiiiidliiiiiiiii11 ,i
city of Otsego Business loan program in the works igiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, ffifilrli
8899 Nashua Ave. NE The Economic Development Partnership of Wright County, ■ FARM
Otsego, MN 55330 Inc. has been working to set up a loan program for economic 1Y11,r,1 r ,�u„A r li N l
(612) 441-4414 development in the county. Guidelines and procedures for the �If lj r YI
Wright County Enterprises Fund are in the process of being ', ■
OFFICE HOURS established. The Economic Development Partnership hopes to have
Monday through Friday the loan program in place before fall. 111111.
8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. ,
The Economic Development Partnership's mission is to promote Wright County as a
CITY_COUNCIL desirable place to live,work, and own a business. It is a non-profit private and public partnership
Mayor- that organized in 1993. Volunteer members represent cities,townships,financial institutions, and
Norman F.Freske businesses in Wright County. Otsego Business Director Phyllis Cokley is a member of theCouncil members-
Ron Black Partnership's board of directors.
Larry Fournier The Partnership also works with the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund (CM1F), a regional
Vern Heidner foundation based in Little Falls that focuses on strengthening communities, families, and the
Suzanne M.S.Ackerman labor force. CMIF provides loans to businesses, grants to non-profits, and leadership training to
CITY STAFF community leaders. Over $600,000 has been distributed in Wright County by the Initiative Fund
Elaine Beatty,City Clerk/Zoning since it began nearly a decade ago.
Administrator The Economic Development Partnership of Wright County focuses on supporting economicPhyllis Cokley, Financial/Business
Director development on a county wide basis to enhance and improve the quality of life. If you have any
Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk questions about the Partnership or its services, call their office at 271-5166 or contact Phyllis
Carol Olson,Secretary Cokley at Otsego City Hall. v..%
Dave Chase,Maintenance
Duane Fiedler,Maintenance '
PLANNING & ZONING
Carl Swenson,Chair
Eugene Goenner it.
Jim Kolles
Arleen Nagell
Richard Nichols 4'
Bruce Rask '4
f.G.Roskaft , ;• •r
PARKS & RECREATION
Thomas Baillargeon,chairA .... ,
. .,
..
Jeff Bartheld • .
Debbie Carron
Tom Constant
Ten Kohler ,,,,
c
Roche Martin
Bill Olson,first alternate --•S
Darlene Solberg o
EDA_ADVISORY w.,...,
Liz Wilder,chair
Darlyn Kofoed ;�
0
LuVern Klinker �` 5
LeRoy Lindenfelser
Wally Odell ....1 „ - ,.
Rudy Thibodeau t u. y' �.
i.,,
Dave Sederberg Holly Lefebvre points out some of the wide variety of floor coverings they have on
HERITAGE_PRESERVATION display at their new show room. Their Otsego store also includes country crafts.
Joy Swenson,chair
JanetBridgland Lefebvre's Carpet is more than carpet
Arlene Holen
Frieda Lobeck Lefebvre's Carpet in Otsego does much more than carpet. They are prepared to take care of
Joan Nichols all of your floor covering needs with a unique and wide variety of floor coverings to choose from,
Elaine Norin including area rugs, ceramic tile, vinyl, wood and the new more durable laminate floorings.
Norman Schwanbeck Lefebvre's second floor is a country craft store filled with unique primitives and collectibles.
smimmmi Owners Dave and Holly Lefebvre opened their new show room on Parrish Ave. in
( OT�St JJ VIEW September. They have been in the floor covering business in Otsego since 1986 when they started
r y by renting space from Dave's parents and met with customers by appointment. They began
The Otsego View is a community newsletter keeping regular store hours in 1988 and the business continued to grow when they opened their
for the city of Otsego. new facility in 1995 with five to seven employees and a country craft store.
Jacquie Rognli,Editor The Lefebvre's pride themselves on their quality service and happy customers. "We really
Correspondence and news items are welcome focus on serving the customer after the sale,' said Holly.
and should be sent to Otsego City Hall. Lefebvre's Carpet and Crafts is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Saturdays. Lefebvre's is located at 9310 Parrish Ave. in Otsego, 441-4181. wv
Contains 50%recycled pre-consumer material 2
....AN.. ..A..1 .A...A..1 . 1 ..1
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The Education of ..` N =
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a CountryBoy .::j , {; :.:, :..::.::4,7 r ,:,NN, ,. i ,..,,,
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by Elaine Norin '..... ;»g;, •f:t<:,,,,�,,;,,:,,:s, ,,
,t'i:"s'xxI:. #sr•N 3M•s sssis i;sfv sssisst s's ',:.... r„st,;s;::,15 rests}. m.mfr/,ss
The Heritage Preservation Commission received a book written Reading, Arithmetic ... by eighth grade - Reading, Grammar,
by Otsego born John L. Pepin. A copy is available at the Elk Spelling, Arithmetic, History, Elementary Citizenship,
River Library. Penmanship, Physiology and Current Events. One teacher
taught me nine subjects in one year while teaching four to
The book begins with a chapter in which Pepin outlines his seven subjects to seven other grades, with great dedication and
family history. "... you can't throw a stone in the vicinity of Elk competence. Contrast the responsibilities that these ladies
River without hitting one of my relatives.” Pepin completed carried with the quibbling over work loads that we see
high school in Elk River, graduated from Hamline University demonstrated so frequently today. Graduation from Eighth
and attended graduate school at Clark University. He now lives Grade in 1924 was considered quite an event, for not many
in California in winter and Massachusetts in summer. Of were expected to go on to High School ... was held at the
particular interest to us are the chapters about his early life in county seat, Buffalo. In later years I was complemented on my
Otsego. ability to concentrate in a busy room. I learned this in country
grade school."
"I was born on April 6, 1911 on an eighty acre farm in Otsego
... which consisted of a town hall, a country store, a Methodist The closing chapter contains some of John Pepin's philosophy:
church, a ferry across the Mississippi and a blacksmith shop... "In my late teens and early twenties I was the typical `eager
We had dairy cattle, pigs and chickens. our principle cash crop beaver,' wanted to learn all about everything. In my twenties I
was potatoes ... a vivid recollection of riding on a horse drawn challenged the status quo, looked for easy answers, was sure I
wagon load of potatoes to Elk River with my Dad; could find them, expected change immediately if
how discouraged he was when he couldn't find a k � , not sooner. ...thirties, I knew all the answers to
buyer at any price. I ( , everything and could not understand why anyone
1imp,
t. would question it. ...forties, I began to have some
Most of the water for the house was pumped by hand j ", doubts that I had all the answers. ...fifties, I was
and carried to the house in pails. A reservoir on the _ 1.1 4k - . sure I did not have all the answers. ...in my sixties
side of the wood fired cook stove provided hot water. : � :�`
I began to develop an intuitive sense based on
A pail dropped into the well by rope provided the -..-e71:;"A/1-z' experience. I am not sure that the student who
only refrigeration. ...washing machine consisted of a /�/� %� finds it necessary to work to finance school is at a
hand pumped agitator and hand cranked wringer. :y' /._�_ serious disadvantage: learns to budget time and
...clothes were hungout to dry. A wash tub became L - .-//i..-i
often does better than students who have
the family bath tub located as close to the kitchen everything. ...feel fortunate I got my early
stove as possible. The out-house located some ,:� •„ a „;, education where the primary motivation was self
distance from the house didn't encourage anyone to I ,- ,�
g „ <.,, improvement rather than competition ... no regrets
tarry in the middle of winter. except that pressure of work did not permit me to
complete the doctorate. More important than all of
Mother made most of the clothes for the family. ...always had a these is the influence of family and home. I had a happy and
large vegetable garden but found time to grow flowers. We used stimulating childhood. They say you can take the boy out of the
kerosene lamps ... did own baking, canned all vegetables and country,but you can't take the country out of the boy.” ,A-)
fruit. We were certainly poor by today's standards, but I never
knew it. In addition to household duties, she shared farm duties
such as caring for the poultry, milking cows and picking Otsego Heritage Day returns
potatoes. The Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission is planning the
second Otsego Heritage Day to be held at City Hall Sunday,
April 9, 1917 I enrolled in District 9 of the Wright County October 6, 1996. Last year over 100 people gathered to share
Public Schools. ...one room school house about a mile from my stories,photos,food and fellowship. w-)
home ... first and second grades - Writing, Orthography,
3
City candidates must file
y - �• Municipal election for the mayor and two city council
( - positions will be held during the general election, November 5,
} g) 1996. The four year terms of Mayor Norman F. Freske, Council
t 4 L member Ron Black,and Council member Larry Fournier expire
December 31, 1996.
t,
Candidates must be residents of Otsego and file for
G candidacy with the city clerk at Otsego City Hall. Filing opens
'_ 4 - ori t August 27, 1996 at 8:00 a.m. and closes September 10, 1996 at
5:00 p.m.
\... County enacts point of
Deputy Clerk Judy Hudson greeted residents who brought
trailers, trucks and cars of junk to Otsego Clean Up Day in May. sale septic guidelines
LIIA �TQ ' The Wright County Commissioners adopted an ordinance
Jl. �I �7 •to Clean Up Day volunteers for certification of on site septic systems that went into effect in
Sunny weather and lots of junk were the order of the day at August 1995.
Otsego Clean Up Day held May 4, 1996. Under the law. if people sell a home in Wright County, the
"Not only was the weather perfect,the volunteers were, sewer system must meet current state code before the sale will
too," said Deputy Clerk Judy Hudson. "The city is very be allowed. Even if the existing system is well maintained and
appreciative of their time,work, and volunteerism." operating properly, it may need to be upgraded to the state's
Thanks to all of the Clean Up Day volunteers: Nadine standards.
Aarvig,Kenny Shierts, Loren and Arleen Nagel. Tim and At the public hearing on the ordinance last March, the
Terry Boyle,Larry Blesi, Phillip Wellman Sr.,Phillip Wellman Otsego City Council filed a letter of objection saying that
Jr.. Brian Courrier, John DeMars,Ross Hagen,Roche Otsego already had its own ordinance that follows state
Applegate, John and Tim Simola, Jerry Olson, and Rose guidelines. The city has the distinction of being the largest city
Freske. in the county without municipal waste treatment. The cost of
;,,.:,,,::::::.:., ::..:::.:: .:::.. upgrading anold systemestimated between $4,000 to
;. $
s.
is
8,000, depending on the conditions.
July 1....._ 7:00 p m. EDA Advisory Commission The Wright County Board passed the ordinance
July 4 CITY HALL CLOSED Independence Day unanimously with the only exemptions being sales to the
July 8 6 30 p m. City Council seller's spouse,ex-spouse,or children.
July 9 7:00 p.m. Park&Recreation Commission For more information on the Point of Sale Certification
July 13 10 a m.-4 p.m. Otsego Appreciation Day
at Otsego Prairie Park Ordinance for On-Site Septic Systems, contact the Wright
July 17 8:00 p.m Planning&Zoning Commission County Courthouse,682-3900. wu
Home Occupations Ordinance hearing
July 22 6.30 p.m. City Council
July 25 7:00 p.m. Heritage Preservation Commission PARK & ik
August 5 7 00 p m FDA Advisory Commission
August 6 7-10:00 p m National Night Out
August 7 8:00 p m Planning&Zoning Commission
Side yard set back amendment hearing Prairie Park development C�
August 12 6:30 p.m City Council
August 13 7 00 p m Park&Recreation Commission Construction continues at Otsego Prairie Park. O
August 21 800 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission Picnic tables, grills, and trash cans have been
August 22 7 00 p m. Heritage Preservation Commission installed at five picnic sites in the wooded area.
August 26 6.30 p.m. EDA followed by City Council
August 27 8 0 a.m. City election filing opens Sand volleyball courts and two softball fields are
September 2 CITY HALL CLOSED Labor Day nearing completion. Other grading and seeding is till
September 10 5 00 p.m. City election filing closes currently under way.
State Primary Election Paved trails,a creative play structure, an ice
November 5 General Election
skating rink, and warming house have already been
The public is welcome to all meetings. To be placed on the constructed in the city's first park.
Planning Commission agenda, submit completed forms and
information 15 working days prior to meetings, Submit City Otsego Appreciation Day
Council agenda items seven working days prior to meetings. A day of fun for the whole family is planned for
Please call City Hall to confirm times if you plan to attend Saturday, July 13th at Otsego Prairie Park. See story
any of the listed meetings.
on page 1. v..v j
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