Kanza, a firm from Kansas, has been replacing old, light rail with heavier rail along the Minnesota Prairie Line. Above, workers were replacing rail between Gaylord and Arlington. The railroad rehabilitation project for this year will end near CSAH 13. Work is expected to be completed in early August. The project is slightly behind schedule due to the weather, according to officials from the Minnesota Prairie Line.

Under the agreement, Sibley County will provide “on call” coverage for approximately 12 hours per day. The four month trial period with the County will begin on September 1st. City Administrator Kevin McCann said the City Council still needs to determine what type of calls it wants the County to cover.

Council members voting in favor of the County providing “on call” coverage were Pat Pinske, Chad Muchow and Carl Wetzel. Opposed were Brenda Pautsch and Jessica Uecker.

It was only a few months ago the City hired a new police chief. The new chief resigned after one week and that prompted the City to review its law enforcement options.

Options were discussed during the workshop meeting earlier this month. Options ranged from continuing with a chief and two full-time officers to eliminating the police department and contracting with Sibley County for all law enforcement services.

According to McCann, City staff recommended the option which eliminates one full time officer. With this option, the City would continue having Eric Boon (current interim chief) serve as chief and have one full-time officer. Estimating one emergency call per day, McCann determined this would result in a budget savings of approximately $60,000.

Weighing cost savings against police presence/patrol appeared to be the biggest challenge facing the City Council. Council members questioned when police coverage is needed most. That varies, according to interim chief Boon. He said every day and every week is different.

Gaylord police currently provide approximately 20 hours of patrol time during the week and 12 hours on weekends. Starting September 1st, Gaylord P.D. will provide approximately 12 hours of patrol time per day. The County would then handle calls when a City officer is not on duty.

Council member Muchow said he was concerned about more cuts in Local Government Aid (LGA) and expressed the need for the City to plan ahead. “I don’t know if we can afford a chief and two officers,” Muchow said. “We are going to have to get comfortable with a lot of things we haven’t been comfortable with before.”

Council members Pinske and Wetzel expressed concern about hiring Boon as the chief since he is now living in St. Peter.

Council member Pautsch said the City worked with an interim chief that lived out of town and that didn’t seem to be a problem. But, Pautsch said ideally she would like the City to keep its own department. Council member Uecker apparently agreed with Pautsch. She believes the City needs to hire a new chief.

Boon, who has served as a police officer in Gaylord since 2003, believes the City does need a full-time Police Department. He believes the four month trial period with the County providing “on call” coverage will be a good measuring stick.

There was only one citizen who spoke to council members on the issue at last week’s meeting. He spoke in support of a full time police department and said the steady patrolling that is going on now is a good preventative measure.

Being short staffed, the City of Gaylord is already contracting with the Sibley County Sheriff’s Department for on-call coverage when its officers are off duty. This coverage typically runs when the night officer’s shift ends, according to City Administrator Kevin McCann. Then, Sibley County would provide on-call coverage for approximately four hours. The County would be reimbursed $45/hour for any call outs during this time.

The City of Winthrop contracts with Sibley County for emergency day coverage. Arlington contracts with the county for some patrol and emergency day coverage. Sibley County also provides law enforcement for New Auburn and Green Isle.

McCann also provided information about other cities law enforcement practices:

• Norwood Young America (pop. 3594), and every other City in Carver County except for Chaska, contracts with the Carver County Sheriff’s Department. There are deputies dedicated to each City, McCann explained.

• Elko/New Market (pop. 3,817) disbanded their police department and contracted with Scott County. That arrangement lasted for two weeks. Many citizens’ complaints led to the reestablishment of the police department.

• Mora (pop. 3,681) contracts with Kanabec County and recognizes a budget savings of $170,000. The contract calls for the County to provide one deputy at all times and includes patrol, court, ordinance enforcement and report writing. McCann’s report said this arrangement made sense because Mora is the Kanabec County Seat and there was a duplication of services.

Bob Ankeny, of Blue Earth, was at last week’s City Council meeting. He told council members of plans to put an off-sale liquor store in the center portion of the strip-mall. It would occupy approximately 2,500 square feet, Ankeny explained.

A City of Gaylord ordinance requires 500 feet between any church or school and a liquor store establishment. Since St. Paul’s Church is nearby, City Administrator Kevin McCann said the ordinance would have to be changed to allow for a liquor store in the strip mall.

It was then determined by council members that Ankeny’s request should be heard by Planning and Zoning.

City Attorney Donald Lannoye agreed with the City Council. He told council members that a recent Supreme Court case makes it essentially impossible to allow a variance for the request. The City would have to amend its ordinance, Lannoye explained.

The ordinance regulating the distance between a church/school and a liquor store was adopted in 2009, according to McCann. Lannoye said it is not an uncommon ordinance for cities. He said the distance isn’t stipulated by statute but rather determined by each city.

Council members unanimously approved passing the request onto Planning and Zoning. Having Planning and Zoning hold a public hearing was part of the same motion.

The congregation will celebrate 150 years of God’s blessings on Sunday, August 8. The 9 a.m. worship service will feature a sermon by Lutheran Hour speaker, the Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus.

Rose (Koch) Schillalies of Ruidoso, New Mexico, daughter of former Pastor Paul Koch, will serve as guest organist.

A catered dinner will be served at 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Cost is $10 for adults. Checks should be written out to and sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church before July 30. Tickets can also be purchased at the event.

The afternoon service will be held at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Bernau, counselor for the Arlington circuit, will speak. Former pastors and families of former pastors will share memories. Refreshments will be served.

Pictures of confirmands, old Bibles, books and tools of the time, and a history of the former Mountville village will be displayed.

Minnesota had received statehood in 1858, when St. John’s came into being. In the summer of 1860, Pastor P. Rupprecht of Arlington Township looked up Lutheran settlers in the area to conduct services in their homes. Many of the pioneer settler were German speaking, Pomeranian families who had left their native Prussia or Germany to come to America.

Pastor Winter of Arlington Township followed serving as an itinerant pastor in Dryden Township. The efforts of the two pastors resulted in the organization of St. John’s congregation, originally known as the Lutheran Church of Dryden.

The congregation built its first log chapel (Blockkirche) in the spring os 1863. A parsonage was built two years later. 24 of the pioneer members purchased four acres of land from Ludwig Borchert in the southwest quarter of section 7, Dryden Township. More property was acquired over the years, resulting in 9.4 acres by 1909. This presently houses the church, parsonage, grounds and cemetery.

Almost simultaneously with the formation of the church, a community named Mountville sprang up in the adjoining Transit Township. The little community had a creamery or skimming station, a blacksmith shop, general store, post office, and a catholic church and Lutheran school. It might have boomed into a thriving city, but with the loss of the railroad station, it faded into a ghost town. The name of Mountville attached itself to the church, which today is still called St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mountville, which is located five miles northwest of Gaylord.

Due to increased membership. a frame building was erected in 1869, and in 1892, construction of the present brick church was begun and dedicated May 28, 1893.

The present parsonage was built in 1901. In 1912, a new pipe organ was purchased and it continues to serve the congregation. In 1992 the pipe organ was restored.

Through the years, 17 pastors have served St. John’s. Harold Storm currently serves as pastor.

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a report came in of a person and a canoe missing. Upon arrival, rescue workers found 47-year-old John Keple of Eden Prairie, MN and 42-year-old Christopher Allen Baldurf of Hope Mills, NC in safe condition. The two were transported from the river in the Sibley County Sheriff Department’s rescue boat.

The Henderson Fire and Police Departments assisted the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue.

The steering committee was given estimated bond payments and estimated taxpayer impact for three potential projects. Superintendent Stephen Jones explained that the figures are very preliminary at this point and are based on assumptions. He referred to them as “talking points.”

Sibley East’s financial advisor, Ehlers, informed the committee that regardless of what option is chosen to resolve Sibley East’s space needs issues, the school district, with voter approval, can issue general obligation bonds to finance school construction projects. Although building bonds are usually used for new schools and additions, they may also be used to finance equipment, networks and other infrastructure and all types of facility renovations and improvements.

A simple majority vote at a referendum election is required, 60 percent if the district receives an unfavorable Review and Comment which is done to comply with State Statute.

If the project is approved, general obligation bonds would be issued. Funds from the bonds can be used for almost any type of capital expense related to both equipment and facilities. It cannot be used for operating expenses. Other permitted uses include software purchases, consulting fees related to a capital project, and salaries and benefits for staff involved in planning and implementing capital projects.

Debt may be repaid for any period up to 30 years. Superintendent Stephen Jones reported that Sibley East does not have any long term debt. He added that Sibley East’s operating levy is $600 per pupil, far below the state average.

Interest rates used for the following projections range from 4.2 percent for 20 years, 4.4 percent for 25 years, and 4.55 percent for 29 years.

REMODELING EXISTING BUILDINGS

The estimated bond issue for reconfiguring the existing school buildings is $28,640,000 for 20 years, $28,685,000 for 25 years, or $28,720,000 for 29 years. Annual debt for the 20-year option is approximately $2.25 million, 25-year option is approximately $2 million, and for the 29-year option is approximately $1.89 million.

With this plan, the estimated tax impact for a home with the taxable market value of $100,000 would be $256/annually for 20 years, $229/annually for 25 years, and $215/annually for 29 years.

The estimated tax impact for commercial/industrial property valued at $250,000 would be $1,088/annually over 20 years, $971/annually over 25 years, and $912/annually over 29 years.

The estimated tax impact for an agricultural homestead with a taxable market value of $250,000 would be $496/annually for 20 years, $443/annually for 25 years, and $416/annually for 29 years.

NEW PRE-K TO GRADE 12 SCHOOL IN SQUARE SHAPE

If Sibley East School District residents decide to construct a new pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 building with a square-shaped option, there would be $37,560,000 for 20 years, $37,620,000 for 25 years, and $37,665,000 for 29 years.

Debt levy for the 20 year option is estimated to be $2.95 million, $2.63 million annually for 25 year option, and $2.48 million annually for 29 year option.

For a residential homestead with a taxable market value at $100,000, the estimated tax increase would be $328/annually for 20 years, $296/annually for 25 years, and $281/annually for 29 years.

The estimated tax impact for commercial/industrial property with a taxable market value of $250,000 would be $1,394/year for 20 years, $1,259/year for 25 years, and $1,192/year for 29 years.

For agricultural homestead property with a taxable market value of $250,000, the estimated tax impact would be $636/year for 20 years, $574/year for 25 years, or $543/year for 29 years.

NEW PRE-K TO GRADE 12 SCHOOL WITH WING OPTION

If Sibley East School District residents decide to construct a new preKindergarten through Grade 12 building with a wing option, funds available for the building program are estimated to be $42,695,000 for the 20 year option, $42,765,000 for the 25 year option, and $42,815,000 for the 29 year option.

Annual debt levy is estimated to be $3.35 million for the 20 year option, $2.99 million for the 25 year option, and $2.82 million for the 29 year option.

For residential homestead property with a taxable market value of $100,000, the estimated tax increase would be $369/year for 20 years, $333/year for 25 years, and $315/year for 29 years.

Estimated tax impact for commercial/industrial property with a taxable market value of $250,000 would be $1,567/year for 20 years, $1,414 for 25 years, and $1,337 for 29 years.

For agricultural homestead property with a taxable market value of $250,000, the estimated tax increase would be $714/year for 20 years, $645/year for 25 years, and $610/year for 29 years.

For school taxes payable in 2010 on an $80,000 home, residents in the Sibley East District pay $181.12. Other area districts pay from $195 to $375. Total school taxes, payable in 2010, on a $400,000 ag homestead for Sibley East are $311. Other area districts pay from $324 to $1,046.

Sibley East currently has no debt service, and has not paid any from 2006 to 2010. Total debt service paid by area districts from 2006 to 2010 on an $80,000 residential homestead range from $23.23 to $1,150.57 for area districts. Area school debt service taxes paid on a $400,000 residential homesteads range from $74.34 to $3,681.84.

Jeri Odenthal, representing Relay For Life, explained that approximately 900 luminary bags in memory or in honor of a someone would be placed around the track. Although the luminary bags are usually filled with sand, it is proposed to use bricks next year instead of sand.

Odenthal was directed to work closely with Activities Director Randy Walsh if the group decides to use the track next year. Walsh said that he would have no issue with it, but is not certain what the group’s need would be for electricity. Tents could be set up behind the bleachers, he said.

It is proposed to move Relay for Life back to Arlington next year. The date will be June 17, 2011. For the past few years, the fundraiser has been held in the Gaylord City Park.

In other business, the Board of Education:

• Awarded the quote for bakery products to Sara Lee; quote for dairy products to Kemps; refuse collection to Gaylord Sanitation Inc. in Gaylord and Waste Management in Arlington; diesel to United Farmers Co-op.

• Accepted donations from Arlington Auto and Farm Supply – $50 toward England trip; Amdahl’s Bar & Grill Inc. – $50 toward England trip; Liberty Station – $50 toward England trip; and ProGrowth Bank – $25 toward England trip.

• Renewed membership in the Minnesota School Boards Association – $3,877 and Policy Services renewal – $490

• Approved annual membership dues for the Minnesota River Conference for the 2010-2011 school year

• Approved an agreement with Sibley County public Health for school health nursing services.

• Approved membership into the Minnesota State High School League

• Approved second readings of policies on Gifts to Employees, Enrollment of Nonresident Students, and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy

• Held first readings on Policies Incorporated by Reference, Organization of School Calendar and School Day, Curriculum Development, Instructional Curriculum, Alternative Programs, Organization of Grade Levels, Instructional Services – Special Education, Religion, Field Trips, Home Schooling, and Superintendent of Schools.

Sibley East stayed alive with victories over Montgomery and Cannon Falls. The black and gold then fell to Belle Plaine on Saturday evening. Sibley East finished with a record of 14-10.

Belle Plaine pushed Jordan to a second championship game Sunday only to fall in extra innings.

Jordan moves on to the state legion tournament which will be played this weekend in Dilworth, MN.

SE 7 Montgomery 6
A super sixth inning led Sibley East’s Legion baseballers to victory Friday. They rallied for four runs in the frame and stayed alive in the District tournament with a 7-6 win over Montgomery.

It was another good start for Sibley East which plated two runs in its first at-bat. Justin Rettmann opened the game with a double. It would be Sibley East’s only hit in the frame but the black and gold manufactured two runs.

Trailing 2-1, Montgomery plated three runs in the fifth frame. An error followed by three straight hits fueled that rally.

Montgomery would take a 6-2 advantage in the top of the sixth inning. Back-to-back doubles led to the two runs.

Sibley East would rally back and knot the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth.

Three straight free passes set the table for Matt Pichelmann who doubled to make it a 6-4 game. Ben Melsha promptly followed with a two run single to tie the game.

Sibley East then plated the game winner in the bottom of the seventh. Rettmann led off with a single and would eventually score on McKoy Rodning’s sacrifice fly.

Matt Pichelmann pitched the first five innings for Sibley East and yielded four earned runs on six hits. Justin Rettmann pitched in relief and set down six of the seven batters he faced.

SE 6 Cannon Falls 2
Another comeback enabled Sibley East to stave off elimination again Saturday afternoon as the black and gold defeated Cannon Falls 6-2.

Sibley East scored again in its first at-bat but found itself trailing 2-1 after four innings.

The black and gold would then rally for four runs in the fourth frame. Lucas Herd kicked off the rally with a single and eventually scored on McKoy Rodning’s base hit. Michael Bullert also singled in the rally while Ben Melsha’s double put Sibley East on top 5-2.

Sibley East would pick up an insurance run in the sixth inning. Justin Rettman led off the at-bat with a walk and scored on Erik Goetsch’s single.

Goetsch was the winning pitcher. He allowed two runs on three hits in seven innings. The righthander struckout ten.

SE 5 Belle Plaine 7
Another fantastic start wasn’t enough for Sibley East on Saturday evening. The black and gold nine was eliminated from the District tournament following a 7-5 loss to Belle Plaine.

Sibley East broke out with three first inning runs. It marked the third time in five tournament games that Sibley East plated a trio of runs in the first inning.

McKoy Rodning highlighted the early run with a two run double. Lucas Herd also doubled in the first inning while Justin Rettmann and Ben Melsha contributed singles.

An Erik Goetsch double enabled Sibley East to snag a 4-1 advantage. Belle Plaine, with a double of its own, answered with one run in the bottom of the frame.

With only one hit, Belle Plaine managed to take the lead with a three run, fourth inning. The tournament’s #2 seed would add single runs in the fifth and sixth frames.

Sibley East meanwhile managed but one run over the final four innings. That came on a Goetsch home run. It was his second round-tripper of the tournament.

Matt Pichelmann pitched for Sibley East. He yielded five earned runs on eight hits in six innings. Pichelmann struckout three and walked four.

Mike Walsh’s Islanders, the fourth seed, defeated #5 Fairfax in opening round action Wednesday. Gaylord was then routed by top seed Arlington on Friday.

The Islanders play an elimination game at Winthrop tonight (Wednesday). The winner advances to play at Arlington on Thursday.

St. Peter is the lone unbeaten team in the tournament so far. The top two finishers advance to region play.

Gaylord 8 Fairfax 3
A fifth inning flurry led Gaylord’s Islanders to victory Wednesday. They scored five times in the fifth frame enroute to an 8-3 win over Fairfax at Walsh Field.

Both teams reached the scoreboard in the second inning. Fairfax plated a run without recording a hit. Gaylord then answered with two runs on singles by Josh Gasow and Trevor Vaubel.

An error, a pair of basehits and a walk enabled the Cardinals to regain the lead in the third inning. They would lead 3-2 until Gaylord broke through in the fifth frame.

Collin Grams would kick off the fifth inning rally for Gaylord. He singled and eventually scored when Gasow blasted a two run triple.

Gaylord would go on to get four more singles and three more runs in the rally. Recording the hits were Vaubel, Brian Winter, Justin Rettmann and McKoy Rodning.

The Islanders’ four run lead would stand over the final four innings. Fairfax had baserunners in each frame but could not dent Gaylord’s lead.

Vaubel was the winning pitcher. He allowed three runs, only one of which was earned, in seven innings of work. Vaubel yielded three hits and struckout six.

Jake Pichelmann pitched two innings of relief for the Islanders. He blanked the Cardinals on two hits and three strikeouts.

Vaubel and Winter led Gaylord offensively with three hits apiece. Winter, Rodning and Gasow combined for six RBI’s.

Gaylord 1 Arlington 12
Fresh off a regular season win over Arlington, Gaylord appeared to be no match for the A’s in post season play. The Islanders fell behind early and lost at Arlington 12-1.

The top-seeded A’s rattled off four runs in the first inning. A pair of errors and hits by Joe Lucas and James Vanbuskirk fueled the early scoring for Arlington.

Arlington would pick up single runs in the second and third innings before putting the game away with a six run rally in the fourth frame. Arlington cranked out five straight singles in the fourth inning.

Gaylord’s lone run came in the sixth inning. Collin Grams reached on a walk and scored on Jon Waltz’s basehit.

Josh Gasow was tagged with the mound loss. He allowed eight earned runs on ten hits in four innings. Gasow struckout two and walked four.

Paul Mages blanked the A’s over the final two innings. He struckout two.