"Where Olmsted County News Comes First"

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Do you think the use of all fireworks should be legal in the state of Minnesota for all consumers?

 Yes, everyone should be able to use them

 No, only those with permits to do so


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By Patrick Shumaker

Mayor Ann Diercks and the entire Byron City Council expressed appreciation for the Elaine Johnston family, as the estate donated $1000.00 to the Byron First Responders unit. “On behalf of the city we would like to thank the Johnston family for their generous donation” Diercks said.

Byron City Administrator Mary Blair-Hoeft shared the results of the town’s recent 2012 water leak survey. “We have a company that checks all of our hydrants and waterlines. There were only two hydrants found that needed to be tightened down. The leakage was minimal and one of the hydrants is scheduled for replacement soon.” The report finds the hydrants and waterlines to be in good working order with no major issues found.

Due to the fact that the Good Neighbor Days Committee has lost its Tax Exempt status, a one day Liquor License application to the city for 2012 was unanimously approved. It was ensured that the current staff are properly trained in serving alcohol and checking identification for age verification. The council opted for the one-day license rather than a more expensive year-long permit. The future plan is for a separate Liquor License holder for the 2013 festivities and beyond.

Deputy Wood submitted The Law Enforcement Update for the area and reported that there was a break in and attempted robbery at the Alternative Learning Center. “They didn’t get anything; the alarm system went off and our officer responded quickly. We have the video of someone running out the door and were trying to figure out who the individual is. We’re not quite there yet.”

Wood spoke of dealing with some door to door solicitors who were active in Byron this week. “It’s the time of year where solicitors from out of town are around. I’ve spoke to a group of individuals where only one person in the entire group had a permit. Some are very pushy and some have been known to misrepresent themselves.” Residents everywhere are urged to use extreme caution when dealing with door-to-door sales tactics. Ask for proper identification, permits, credentials and references. “When in doubt please call Law Enforcement,” added Mayor Diercks.

Concerns about the increased speed of traffic traveling on the Frontage Road was an issue brought to the table by Bret Baumbach. Deputy Wood shared, “We are monitoring traffic and increasing patrol in the area. It’s been more of an issue lately and we’re aware of it.”

Baumbach also wanted to recognize The Byron Fire Department for helping in Rochester on Sunday, June 10. “We would like to thank our local Fire Department for their outstanding work in covering for the Rochester Fire Department.” The Byron F.D. responded to a detached garage fire because the Rochester F.D. was already deployed to several fires that occurred around the same time. The Byron F.D. was able to contain the fire quickly after arrival, although the garage was listed as a total loss.

Gil Sirek spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting to inform those in attendance that he plans to run for Olmsted County Commissioner in District 5. “I’m a retired carpenter who worked for Benike Construction for 35 years. During that time I served on the Byron School Board for 10 years. I would just like to introduce myself. We will be getting out brochures with my contact information, so if you want to know my thoughts and what I have in mind for the county please ask.”

Mayor Diercks acknowledged Byron Public Works Superintendent Greg Rud for his 28th year of service to the city. “We appreciated his ongoing efforts and what he’s done here.” Greg started working for the City of Byron in June of 1984.

Diercks then beamed with excitement as she proudly announced that there may be some national attention focused on Byron. “We are pretty excited about receiving a phone interview for the cable television show, Today in America with Terry Bradshaw.” It’s part of The Discover America Series - The best place to raise a family.

At this time it will be a preliminary phone conversation to allow the producer Mark Gottfried to learn more about the city. City Administrator Mary Blair-Hoeft will assist Diercks during the interview as the two will describe daily life in Byron, Minnesota. It is not known if the television series will do a feature on Byron as it’s still in the fact finding stage. “It’s just a great opportunity and we really are thrilled about it,” Diercks added.