 |
|
|
| Back to: Home > Local News & Info > KRWC News Archives 2004 |
 |
|
 |
|
| KRWC News 4/19/04 - 4/25/04 |
|
County Road Restrictions Being Lifted Today
Spring road weight limitations in Wright County will be coming off today. The Wright County Highway Department will lift the spring load restrictions as of 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. Road limits could go back into place if monitoring of the road surfaces show pavement distress. Sheriff's Deputies will continue to enforce load limits on any state roads where limits are still in place. For more information, contact the Wright County Highway Engineer's Office at (763) 682-7383, or toll-free at 1-800-362-3667. |
| |
Group Opposes Monticello Township Annexation
A group of some 350 residents of Monticello Township has organized to oppose a plan to annex some 11 thousand acres of the township into the City of Monticello. Dozens of yard signs with the slogan, "No Hostile Annexation" have been appearing along Highway 25, and as picket signs at recent mediation sessions and other meetings associated with the annexation proposal. 5 mediation sessions between the city and the township have been held, with officials on both sides saying that progress is being made. Residents making up the MTCAA or, Monticello Township Citizens Against Annexation say they simply don't want to be annexed, and fear paying higher taxes, possibly with diminished services. The group plans a meeting open to the public tonight at 7 PM at the Monticello American Legion to update members, and to explain their views. Meanwhile, another mediation session could take place next week. |
| |
Ourada Says Senate Session Moving Slow
State Senator Mark Ourada of Buffalo says he's a bit surprised, and a little frustrated at the slow pace in the Minnesota Senate during what is supposed to be an "off-year" legislative session. Ourada says the budget deficit facing state lawmakers this year is very small compared to last year's mammoth 4 billion dollar deficit, but he says what may be more important is the outlook for the next biennium, which so far, shows some 400 million dollars in red ink. Ourada says he believes the state needs to get on a more long-term path for the budget process to try to even out some of the sharp deficits and surpluses that have been seen in the last 10 years. |
| |
Outstanding Sr. Citizen Nominations Underway
Nominations are now being accepted for Wright County's outstanding senior citizens of the year. Each year, one man and one woman age 70 or over is selected from nominations received to be honored as the county's outstanding senior. The seniors and runners-up will be recognized at the county fair in July, and will be in the running for state senior citizen of the year honors at the state fair in September. To get a nomination form, contact Wright County Human Services at (763) 682-7486, or the Wright County Historical Society at (763) 682-7486. You may also call toll-free at 1-800-362-3667. Nominations are due by May 20th. |
| |
Public Hearing on Gravel Mining Proposal in Southside Township Continued to April 29
Wright County planners will re-open a public hearing on a gravel mining proposal in Southside Township at their next meeting. Last month, planners continued the public hearing on a request from Annandale Rock Products for gravel mining on some 38 acres southwest of Lake John. Citizens from the area however have voiced several concerns on the proposal, which has already been approved by the Southside Township Board. The next Wright County Planning & Zoning meeting is April 29th at 8 PM at the Wright County Government Center in Buffalo. |
| |
Rep. Olson Unfunded Mandate
An amendment offered by State Representative Mark Olson of Big Lake proposes to reduce unfunded state government mandates. The bill passed the Minnesota House last week in the Omnibus State Government Finance Bill. Olson's initiative creates a process by which counties, cities and townships could pass resolutions to "opt out" of specific unfunded mandates from the state. Local governmental units would need to give public notice, hold a public hearing, and pass a resolution proposing to opt out of a specific mandate. Reasons why the local governmental unit rejects the mandate, or feels that it does not apply to them would also have to be included. Olson says too many unfunded mandates have been handed down to local governments from the state and federal levels, putting a strain on local budgets and resulting in higher property taxes and fees. |
| |
Secretary of State Kiffmeyer Urges Young Voters to Participate in '04 Elections
Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer is urging the state's young voters to get active in the election process this fall. Kiffmeyer says young people need guidance and information on how to be involved as voters and good citizens. Studies show that 1 in 5 young adults age 18 to 24 does not know how, or where to vote. The Secretary of State's office has informational tools including brochures and videos on how young voters can participate and how to become election judges. Call (651) 215-1440, or 1-877-600-VOTE for more information. |
| |
Senate Approves Harsher Teen Driver Penalties
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill that gives law enforcement officials more authority to clamp down on young drivers who are involved in crashes, or who receive moving violations. The bill is being called "Vanessa's Law", named for a 15-year-old girl who died last year in an auto crash where an unlicensed friend was driving. The bill would give authorities greater power to strip instructional permits, or to withhold licenses from those involved in specific driving situations. Such drivers would not be eligible to drive again until age 18, and then, only after passing a special driver's course and exam. Similar penalties would apply to youth caught drinking and driving. |
| |
Severe Weather Brings Much Needed Rains
Two strong fronts collided overhead late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, causing severe storms to develop, but also brought some much needed rain to many areas of Minnesota, including Wright County. Some strong winds, small hail, lightning, and heavy rains fell throughout the region, with 1 to 2 inches of rain measured in many parts of our listening area. Portions of the Twin Cities metro area, and into western Wisconsin, along with portions of south central Minnesota got the brunt of the heaviest weather, with torrential rains, hail, and even some tornadoes. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Though some of the rain in Wright County came down hard enough to run off, later evening rain was much softer, and should help to recharge soil moisture, and green up lawns throughout the region. |
| |
Timely Rains Welcomed by Many
Recent rainfall of 1 to 2 inches in many parts of Wright County have many residents breathing a sigh of relief after a very dry start to the spring season. Wright County Farm Service Agency Director Kevin Bergquist says the rains should help greatly in replenishing soil moisture which had been depleted from near-drought conditions from late summer through fall of last year, and into early spring this year. The rains should also, at least for the time being, help diminish the grass fire danger in the area. |
| |
Waverly & Marysville Township Spring Clean-Up Saturday
The first of many springtime community clean-ups will be held on Saturday as the city of Waverly and Marysville Township combine for a clean-up day. Discardable items may be brought to the Railroad Park across from the Waverly City Hall Saturday morning from 7 AM to Noon. A flat fee for a pickup load of items will be charged, with additional fees for items such as furniture, appliances, and tires. No hazardous waste materials will be accepted. The clean-up day is open only to Waverly and Marysville Township residents, and identification will be checked upon arrival. Most other cities and townships across Wright County will host similar clean-up days in the weeks ahead. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
